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Tag: flights

  • Air New Zealands Thrilling Reconnection: Direct Singapore-Christchurch Flights Launching this October

    Air New Zealands Thrilling Reconnection: Direct Singapore-Christchurch Flights Launching this October

    Air New Zealand is set to inaugurate a regular direct service connecting Singapore to Christchurch in New Zealand’s South Island from October 28. The airline has already started selling tickets for this service, which will operate thrice weekly. During the northern winter season, the airline anticipates that it will provide over 34,000 seats on this route, according to a statement released by the airline on Wednesday.

    The approximate flight time for this route is 10 hours, and it will be serviced by the airline’s refurbished Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

    Expansion of Services

    Air New Zealand indicated that the addition of this new route is a complementary extension to its existing Auckland-Singapore service. It also forms part of the airline’s overarching plan to increase capacity during the peak season, details of which will be revealed in late May.

    Additionally, the airline will introduce new services connecting Christchurch with Narita (Tokyo) and Perth (Australia) by the end of November.

    According to Air New Zealand CEO, Nikhil Ravishankar, the addition of these three new routes is a strategic move designed to directly re-link Christchurch with major global hubs in Asia, bolster connections with Australia, and revolutionize how the South Island connects with the rest of the world. This will effectively alter the arrival points for visitors and consequently, how they traverse the country.

    In the past, Air New Zealand has operated flights from Christchurch to Singapore in 2020, to Perth in 2019 and to Narita in 2015. Besides Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines also offers direct flights between Singapore and Auckland.

    Questions & Answers

    When will Air New Zealand’s direct service from Singapore to Christchurch commence?
    The service will begin on October 28.

    What type of aircraft will be used for this service?
    The flights will be operated using the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

    What other new routes does Air New Zealand plan to introduce?
    New services connecting Christchurch with Narita (Tokyo) and Perth (Australia) will be introduced by the end of November.

  • Sun PhuQuoc Airways Soars Globally: Vietnam’s Airline Gains License for International Flights, Boosts Regional Tourism

    Sun PhuQuoc Airways Soars Globally: Vietnam’s Airline Gains License for International Flights, Boosts Regional Tourism

    Sun PhuQuoc Airways, a Vietnamese airline company, recently received extended certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, which now permits it to operate international flights. This significant development, following a stringent evaluation process involving the application of the highest safety standards, allows the airline to provide commercial flights to international destinations within the MID/ASIA region.

    Transition to International Services

    This certification marks a substantial milestone in Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ journey from being a domestic airline to becoming an international carrier. It opens up a wealth of opportunities in thriving tourism markets across the region.

    The airline is set to start offering international flights to South Korea and Taiwan in the upcoming year. Initially, the service will commence with flights from Phu Quoc to Seoul and Taipei in March, which will then be followed by flights to Busan in September and Kaohsiung in October. Tourist visits to Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam from these regions have witnessed a steady growth in recent years, making these markets a strategic choice for the airline’s expansion into major economic and tourism hubs in Northeast Asia.

    Strategic Partnerships

    To facilitate the smooth launch of its international services, Sun PhuQuoc Airways has aligned with general sales agents (GSAs) in both South Korea and Taiwan. The airline will be represented in South Korea by Pacific Air Agency, a reputable and experienced GSA group, which will be responsible for sales, distribution, and market development.

    In Taiwan, the airline has partnered with Hongyi Travel Service, a leading outbound operator and the first company to bring tourists from Taiwan to Vietnam in the 1990s. This collaboration will enhance the airline’s connectivity with the rapidly growing outbound travel market in Taiwan. These GSAs will facilitate the development of distribution networks, marketing activities, and tailored products for each customer segment before the new routes are launched.

    Fleet Expansion

    In addition to its service expansion, Sun PhuQuoc Airways has been investing in its fleet. On November 24, the airline’s fourth aircraft, an Airbus A321NX, was officially put into commercial service to accommodate the increased travel demand during peak seasons. The airline also expects to add another aircraft to its fleet this month.

    The airline views these developments as strategic steps toward establishing Phu Quoc as a new regional hub for tourism and aviation. The introduction of direct international routes will not only improve market access to two of Vietnam’s largest visitor sources but will also contribute to the integrated tourism ecosystem of Phu Quoc. Travellers will enjoy a seamless journey that encompasses flights, resorts, dining, entertainment, and leisure.

    The airline’s expansion into international markets aligns with Phu Quoc’s selection as the host city for APEC 2027. The island is making rapid strides in infrastructure and urban development projects to prepare for this global event. The airline’s growth is expected to enhance the island’s competitiveness and attract a higher calibre of visitors to Vietnam in the future.

    Questions & Answers

    What significant milestone has Sun PhuQuoc Airways recently achieved?
    Sun PhuQuoc Airways has recently been granted certification to operate international flights, marking a significant transition from being a domestic carrier to an international airline.

    Which international routes is Sun PhuQuoc Airways planning to introduce next year?
    Sun PhuQuoc Airways is planning to introduce flights to South Korea and Taiwan next year, beginning with Seoul-Phu Quoc and Taipei-Phu Quoc in March, followed by Busan-Phu Quoc in September and Kaohsiung-Phu Quoc in October.

    How is Sun PhuQuoc Airways preparing for the launch of its international routes?
    To facilitate the smooth launch of its international routes, Sun PhuQuoc Airways has appointed general sales agents in both South Korea and Taiwan to manage sales, distribution, and market development. Additionally, the airline is also expanding its fleet to meet the increased travel demand.

  • Singapore to Implement Up to $32 Sustainable Fuel Levy on Flights from 2026: What Travelers Need to Know

    Singapore to Implement Up to $32 Sustainable Fuel Levy on Flights from 2026: What Travelers Need to Know

    Air travellers departing from Singapore will be subject to a sustainable aviation fuel levy starting October 2026. The levy, whose rates will vary between S$1 to S$41.60 (US$0.77 to US$31.92), applies to tickets sold from April 1, 2026, onwards for flights departing on or after October 1, 2026, as stated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

    Detailed Breakdown of the Levy

    The exact levy amount is contingent on the travel class and destination. The destinations are divided into four geographical bands, with the levies increasing progressively.

    Passengers travelling to destinations in Band 1, which encompasses Southeast Asia, will incur an additional charge of S$1 for economy or premium economy tickets and S$4 for business or first class tickets.

    For Band 2, which includes Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, travellers will face an added fee of S$2.80 for economy class and S$11.20 for business class.

    Travellers to destinations in Band 3 – Africa, Central and West Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Pacific Islands, and New Zealand – will incur additional levies of S$6.40 and S$25.60 respectively.

    Lastly, passengers flying to the Americas, falling under Band 4, will be charged an extra S$10.40 for economy class and S$41.60 for business class.

    Exceptions and Special Cases

    Passengers merely transiting through Singapore will not be subjected to the above levies. For multi-stop flights, the fee will be determined by the next destination after departing Singapore.

    Moreover, the levy will also extend to cargo, with rates ranging from S$0.01 to S$0.15 per kilogram. This calculation will follow the same geographical bands as those used for passenger flights.

    The levy will also be applicable to general aviation, which includes private, non-commercial flights, and business aviation, such as private jets and chartered flights.

    Origins and Impact of the Levy

    The levy was first introduced in 2024 as a component of the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint, which aimed to achieve net-zero aviation emissions by 2050.

    Han Kok Juan, the director-general of the aviation authority, emphasized the commitment of Singapore, as a global air hub and an International Civil Aviation Organisation council member, to its environmental responsibilities. He reiterated that the country would take necessary steps to contribute to the cause while maintaining the competitiveness of the Singapore air hub.

    Unlike green fuel mandates or incentive programs prevalent in other countries, this levy operates on a “fixed cost envelope.” This means that regardless of fluctuations in sustainable aviation fuel prices in 2026, the levy will remain unchanged.

    Questions & Answers

    When will the aviation fuel levy take effect?
    The aviation fuel levy will take effect from October 2026.

    Will passengers transiting through Singapore be charged with the levy?
    No, passengers only transiting through Singapore will not be charged the levy.

    What is the goal of the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint?
    The Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint aims to achieve net-zero aviation emissions by 2050.

  • Typhoon Kalmaegi Shakes Up Vietnam Air Travel: Over 50 Flights Canceled and Rescheduled

    Typhoon Kalmaegi Shakes Up Vietnam Air Travel: Over 50 Flights Canceled and Rescheduled

    As Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches the central coast of Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines has been forced to cancel and reschedule over 50 flights on November 6th and 7th, causing disruptions to air travel across several central provinces.

    Impact of Typhoon on Flight Schedules

    Several routes have been affected by the impending storm. Most notably, flights between Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport and Phu Cat in Gia Lai Province have been suspended. This includes flights VN1390, VN1391, VN1394, and VN1395 on November 6th, and flights VN1392 and VN1393 on November 7th. Hanoi to Phu Cat flights VN1622 and VN1623 have been rescheduled to depart before noon on November 6th.

    Flights between Hanoi and Tuy Hoa in Dak Lak, specifically VN1650 and VN1651, have been cancelled for November 6th, while four other flights connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Tuy Hoa have been postponed to the afternoon of November 7th.

    On the Tan Son Nhat to Chu Lai (Da Nang) route, certain flights are scheduled to operate earlier, before noon on November 6th. These include VN1464, VN1465, VN1468, and VN1469. The Hanoi to Chu Lai flights VN1640 and VN1641 on November 7th have also been rescheduled to depart after 10 a.m.

    Additional Changes to Flight Schedules

    Further changes have been made to flights between Tan Son Nhat and Pleiku in Gia Lai. Flight VN1422 and VN1423 have been rescheduled to depart before noon on November 6th, and Hanoi to Pleiku flights VN1614 and VN1615 are now scheduled to depart after 1 p.m. on November 7th.

    Flights connecting Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, and Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak on November 6th, as well as certain flights between Hanoi and Buon Ma Thuot on November 7th, will now depart after 1 p.m. Additionally, flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue on November 6th will fly after noon, and flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue on November 7th will leave after 1 p.m.

    Vietnam Airlines has also indicated that over 50 other flights across its network could face consequential delays on both days due to the typhoon. Vasco Airlines has also canceled two Tan Son Nhat to Lien Khuong flights on November 6th because of the storm.

    Advice for Passengers

    In anticipation of potential turbulence due to unstable weather conditions, carriers are advising passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened throughout flights, even when the fasten seatbelt sign is off.

    According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the eye of Typhoon Kalmaegi was approximately 390 kilometers from Quy Nhon of Gia Lai Province as of 5 a.m. on Thursday. The storm is moving west-northwest at 30 kph with maximum sustained winds of 166 kph and gusts up to 220 kph. By 4 p.m. Thursday, it is expected to be about 120 kilometers off Quy Nhon of Gia Lai, maintaining wind speeds of 150-166 kph before making landfall around 7-8 p.m. across Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, and Dak Lak.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the expected impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi on Vietnam’s central coast?
    The typhoon is expected to make landfall across Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, and Dak Lak with sustained winds of up to 166 kph.

    How has Vietnam Airlines responded to the approaching typhoon?
    Vietnam Airlines has cancelled and rescheduled over 50 flights on November 6th and 7th due to the approaching typhoon, and has warned of potential knock-on delays across its network.

    What advice has been given to passengers traveling during the typhoon?
    Carriers are advising passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened throughout flights, even when the signal is off, as a precaution against possible turbulence caused by the storm.

  • FedEx Bolsters APAC-Europe Trade Lane with Five New Weekly Flights, Fueling E-commerce and Retail Growth

    FedEx Bolsters APAC-Europe Trade Lane with Five New Weekly Flights, Fueling E-commerce and Retail Growth

    Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), a prominent international express transportation corporation, recently disclosed its plans to add five additional weekly flights connecting the Asia Pacific region (APAC) with its European base at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. This move will not only reinforce the reliability of services on the Asia-Europe trade route but also paves the way for businesses to access European markets swiftly and reliably. Moreover, this move comes just in time for the year-end holiday shopping season, offering businesses increased flexibility.

    Details of the Expansion

    The additional flights will emanate from two main hubs: three flights from the FedEx APAC hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and two from the FedEx Shanghai International Express and Cargo Hub. Employing Boeing B777 freighters, all flights will connect directly to the FedEx European hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

    This expansion will augment the average daily capacity between APAC and Europe, enabling businesses in the area to leverage growth prospects in sectors experiencing high demand, such as e-commerce, manufacturing, hi-tech, and retail industries. The Europe-Asia trade lane has been thriving, with a consistent increase in air freight volume over the previous two and a half years and an impressive 13% year-on-year surge in August 2025.

    The European Union serves as the largest import market for more than 100 countries, with APAC economies being among the fastest-growing suppliers. This upward trend is expected to accelerate as businesses are seeking out new trade and growth prospects in Europe.

    Supporting Asia-Europe Trade

    Salil Chari, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience, Asia Pacific, FedEx, noted that the Asia-Europe corridor is one of the fastest-growing trade routes. According to a survey conducted by FedEx of nearly 4,000 customers in Asia this year, over 20% stated plans to shift their trading focus to Europe within the coming year.

    FedEx’s increased service frequency between APAC and Europe means that the company now operates 26 weekly flights connecting APAC deliveries to Europe. This enhanced service allows express shipments to reach major European destinations in as little as 48 hours. FedEx has also improved its connectivity from Northern Vietnam to Europe, further strengthening trade links for Asia’s importers and exporters.

    Long-term Commitment

    This expansion of flight services underlines FedEx’s long-term commitment to facilitating global commerce and boosting the success of businesses across the Asia Pacific and beyond.

    Questions & Answers

    How is FedEx enhancing its services?
    FedEx is adding five additional weekly flights connecting the Asia Pacific region to its European base at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

    Which sectors will benefit from this expansion?
    High-demand sectors such as e-commerce, manufacturing, hi-tech, and retail industries will benefit from this expansion.

    What is the frequency of FedEx’s service between APAC and Europe?
    With the increased service frequency, FedEx now operates 26 weekly flights connecting Asia Pacific deliveries to Europe.

  • United Airlines Reconnects US and HCMC: Daily Flights Resume After Eight-Year Break

    United Airlines Reconnects US and HCMC: Daily Flights Resume After Eight-Year Break

    After an eight-year pause, United Airlines, one of the top three largest American carriers, has restarted its flight operations between two U.S. cities and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). As of this week, the airline has begun operating daily flights from HCMC to Hong Kong, which will then connect passengers to Los Angeles or San Francisco, both located in the state of California. For each of these flights, the airline will utilize its wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which has a seating capacity of 257.

    Historical Precedent

    United Airlines has a distinctive history of being the first U.S. airline to conduct direct flights to Vietnam, following the bilateral air transport agreement in 2003. It maintained its operations between 2007 and 2012, flying to HCMC’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

    Fleet and Competition

    Boasting a fleet of over 1,000 aircraft, United Airlines remains a significant player in the American aviation sector, sitting alongside Delta Air Lines and American Airlines in competition for the top spot.

    Up until recently, Vietnam Airlines was the sole carrier providing commercial services between the U.S. and Vietnam. It operated three weekly round-trip flights between HCMC and San Francisco.

    Strategy and Expansion

    In discussing the airline’s decision to resume flights to HCMC, Patrick Quayle, the senior vice president of global network and alliances at United Airlines, stated that this move is a part of the carrier’s expansion strategy in the Pacific region.

    The airline has ambitious plans for growth. By the end of this year, United Airlines expects to serve 32 destinations in the Pacific region. On a worldwide scale, it aims to operate more than 850 daily flights to over 150 international destinations by next year.

    Questions & Answers

    What are United Airlines’ plans for expansion in the Pacific region?
    United Airlines aims to serve 32 destinations in the Pacific region by the end of this year.

    What is the seating capacity of United Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft used for these flights?
    The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft used by United Airlines for these flights has a seating capacity of 257.

    When did United Airlines first operate direct flights to Vietnam?
    United Airlines first operated direct flights to Vietnam following the bilateral air transport agreement in 2003, and continued these operations from 2007 to 2012.

  • AirAsia Launches New Fifth Freedom Route: Inaugural Hong Kong–Okinawa Flight Takes Off

    AirAsia Launches New Fifth Freedom Route: Inaugural Hong Kong–Okinawa Flight Takes Off

    AirAsia is proud to announce the launch of its latest Fifth Freedom route, connecting Bangkok (Don Mueang) – Hong Kong – Okinawa, Japan, with the inaugural flight departing today. This marks the airline’s first route to Japan connecting Hong Kong.

    To commemorate the inaugural service, AirAsia, in collaboration with the Okinawa Prefectural Government and Hong Kong International Airport, hosted a special celebration at the boarding gate. Mr. Ricky Chong, Assistant General Manager of Network Development at Hong Kong International Airport, and  Mr. Yasutoshi Nohara, Director of the Okinawa Prefectural Government Hong Kong Representative Office were joined by the special guest, Okinawa’s mascot “Mahae-chan,” along with Terence So, Marketing Head of AirAsia Hong Kong and Macao to distribute commemorative gifts to passengers on the first flight, adding to the excitement of the journey. Additionally, passengers were welcomed by the Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau in Okinawa. The route has received a strong market response from both Thailand and Hong Kong, with a pleasing passenger load factor of 90%.

    Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia, stated Fifth Freedom routes represent a strategic opportunity to expand our customer base by tapping into new, high-potential markets. “Hong Kong is a key hub with great potential for connecting passengers to places like Okinawa, a beloved Japanese destination. The journey from Hong Kong to Okinawa takes approximately two and a half hours, making it an ideal option for a short, comfortable trip. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a beachside retreat, Okinawa is a year-round destination.”

    AirAsia currently operates direct flights from Hong Kong/Macao to destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), Bangkok (Don Mueang), Manila, Jakarta, Bali and Okinawa.

  • Google Flights introduces a new “Cheapest” tab for budget-conscious travelers

    Google Flights has launched a new “Cheapest” tab to help travelers find the most affordable flights, even if it means sacrificing some convenience. The new feature comes as October is considered the ideal time to book holiday flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

    Google Flights already offers various ways to save on travel, but this new feature aims to make finding the lowest prices even easier. The “Cheapest” tab will display options with the lowest fares, which may include longer layovers, self-transfers, or booking different legs of the trip through multiple airlines or booking sites.

    The new “Cheapest” tab complements the existing “Best” tab, which prioritizes a balance of price and convenience. While the “Best” tab shows the most convenient flights based on factors like travel time and number of stops, the “Cheapest” tab focuses solely on finding the absolute lowest fares, regardless of the potential inconveniences.

    This new feature is beneficial for travelers who are flexible with their travel plans and prioritize cost savings over convenience. By using the “Cheapest” tab, travelers can explore a wider range of options and potentially find significant discounts on their airfare.

    Google’s latest insights indicate that the cheapest fares for U.S. domestic trips around Thanksgiving and Christmas are usually available in October, which makes this the perfect time to roll out this tool. The new addition will effectively enable travelers to easily compare prices and find the best deals for their holiday travel plans. Rollout should begin globally over the next two weeks, wherever Google Flights is available —  this means both on mobile and the web.
    This update will provide travelers with an additional tool to make informed decisions and find the most affordable flights for their next trip, and it could be a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers like myself. The ability to prioritize price over convenience opens up a whole new world of possibilities for finding affordable flights. I’m eager to try out the “Cheapest” tab and see how much I can save on my future travels.
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  • Vietnam Airlines takes delivery of first A320neo

    Vietnam Airlines takes delivery of first A320neo

    Vietnam Airlines recently received its first Airbus A320neo as part of its fleet rejuvenation efforts.

    This is the first among the three A320neo planes, each seating 182 passengers, to be delivered to the carrier this year.

    By adding the A320neo family, the airline affirms the resolve to leverage its operation capacity to meet passengers’ increasing demand, particularly during the peak summer travel season.

    The new aircraft will help Vietnam Airlines provide an additional nearly 40,000 seats during the summer peak, and some 300,000 in the second half of the year.

    They will be used on such domestic routes as Hanoi – Da Lat, Hanoi – Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City – Thanh Hoa and Ho Chi Minh City – Chu Lai.

    The modern narrow-body aircraft is equipped with a new-generation engine that helps save 16% of fuel consumption, reduce noise by 75% and cut some 50% of toxic exhaust compared to previous models.

    Vietnam Airlines stressed that it has made unceasing efforts to improve its services and fleet, hoping to bring passengers safety and comfort.

    The carrier will add large-body Boeing 787-10, the biggest passenger aircraft used in Vietnam at present, to its fleet in the coming time.

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  • Emirates Group announces senior appointments

    Emirates Group announces senior appointments

    His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman and Chief Executive, announced senior appointments to support the organisation’s growth and strengthen its leadership bench.

    This latest list of promotions and senior appointments includes 7 UAE nationals, many of whom have grown their careers at the Emirates Group in different roles and continue to play key roles in the organisation’s success.

    HH Sheikh Ahmed said, “These appointments reflect the expanded scale, breadth, and ambition of our business. I’m heartened that we have been able to fill these roles with internal talent, including UAE nationals. The Emirates Group will continue to invest in being an employer of choice for the best talent in the industry, to deliver world-leading products and services, and reflect Dubai’s vision to be number one in everything we do.”

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  • AirAsia flies to Okinawa

    AirAsia flies to Okinawa

    AirAsia expands services to Japan from its Bangkok hub by introducing direct flights from Bangkok Don Mueang airport to Okinawa, a popular holiday destination in Japan’s south.

    Four weekly flights to Okinawa will start on 2 April 2024, with services scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

    Known as the “Hawaii of Japan,” it’s well known for the sightings of giant whale sharks, and foodies love its seafood cuisine. Fares are on sale starting at THB3,490 per trip for bookings through 21 February 2024 for travel from 2 April to 26 October 2024.

    AirAsia Thailand chief executive officer Santisuk Klongchaiya commented: “Based on  strong  demand, Thai AirAsia (FD) will now be flying direct to Okinawa in Japan for the very first time, marking the second route to Japan flown by Thai AirAsia after we re-introduced flights post-pandemic to Fukuoka in October 2022.”

    Okinawa is a major island in south Japan known for its white sand beaches, stunning sea, massive aquarium and unique culture. Home to various tourist destinations, the island also boasts one-of-a-kind Okinawan cuisine, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a new take on Japan.

    Thai AirAsia (FD) will operate two direct routes to Japan, Bangkok (Don Mueang) – Fukuoka with daily flights and Bangkok (Don Mueang) – Okinawa four times a week starting 2 April.

  • AirAsia India takes over Air India Express Sharjah flights

    AirAsia India takes over Air India Express Sharjah flights

    AirAsia India will begin operating flights to Sharjah on behalf of Air India Express on August 28. This follows the carrier beginning to operate codeshare flights on Air India’s behalf earlier this month.

    According to ch-aviation schedules data, from August 28, AirAsia India will deploy one of its A320-200Ns onto a daily Delhi International – Sharjah – Varanasi – Sharjah – Delhi rotation, replacing the B737-800 service operated by Air India Express. It comes ahead of the merger of the two low-cost airlines. Following recent approval from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, that merger is now expected to finalize in early 2024. The Sharjah flights also mark AirAsia India’s sole foreign foray. Presently, it only flies within India.

    As recently reported in ch-aviation, AirAsia India also began operating some domestic codeshare flights for Air India on August 1. AirAsia India is putting the full-service carrier’s flight designator on selected flights between Bangalore International and Bhubaneswar, Mumbai International – Goa Dabolim, Delhi International – Lucknow, and Delhi International and Pune.

    The closer cooperation comes as Tata Sons seeks to consolidate its Indian airline interests. In addition to the AirAsia India – Air India Express merger, it also intends to merge Vistara with Air India, in the process creating one large low-cost carrier and one large full-service carrier.

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  • AirAsia X announces more medium-haul flights

    AirAsia X announces more medium-haul flights

    AirAsia X is increasing the number of its medium-haul Malaysian flights to 44 per week across 10 routes, while Thai AirAsia X will also be expanding its operations to 22 flights a week across five routes in the next two months.

    AirAsia X has recently launched direct services from Kuala Lumpur to South Korea (Seoul-Incheon) and India (New Delhi), and resumed services to Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth), New Zealand (Auckland), and Japan (Tokyo-Haneda and Sapporo-Chitose).

    In a statement on Tuesday (Oct 18), the group also confirmed new flights to Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) and Taipei starting November.

    Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia X has launched services from Bangkok to Japan (Osaka and Tokyo-Narita) and South Korea (Seoul-Incheon), and is preparing to launch new direct flights to Australia (Melbourne and Sydney) and Japan (Sapporo-Chitose) in early December.

    AirAsia X said all furloughed pilots and retrenched cabin crew members will have the opportunity to be back in the sky by December.

    “Since the pandemic, AirAsia X has already reactivated 175 pilots and 285 cabin crew members, including rehiring 131 cabin crew members who were retrenched during the pandemic,” it said.

    AirAsia X Bhd chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said the airline currently operates four widebody A330 aircraft, and expects to be operating up to 13 aircraft by the first quarter of 2023 (1Q2023) to meet strong and growing demand for medium-haul flights.

    “In December, we will not only be adding more destinations, but also increasing our flight frequencies on popular routes, such as moving to daily services between Kuala Lumpur and Seoul (Incheon), to fly a total of 53 flights weekly.

    “Medium-haul air travel is recovering fast, and we intend to leverage this opportunity to drive sustainable growth of AirAsia X, providing consumers with greater value and choice,” he said.

    According to Benyamin, the airline has been seeing strong forward bookings for the routes, and will be resuming more services in its core markets, such as Auckland, Melbourne, Perth, Taipei, Tokyo (Haneda) and Sapporo in the next two months.

    “Our forward-booking trends remain very encouraging across all key metrics, with higher year-on-year load factors and average fares through 1Q2023.

    “We also anticipate strong uptake of our new flights to Istanbul, Türkiye, which will be announced soon, and would like to thank Malaysia Airports for their support and cooperation.

    “We look forward to flying to the Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in the near future,” Benyamin added.

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  • Cebu Pacific announces seat sale for 7.7

    Cebu Pacific announces seat sale for 7.7

    Cebu Pacific announced its 7.7 seat sale on Wednesday.

    In an advisory, the budget airline said travelers can avail of a P188 one-way base fare for domestic flights.

    The booking period is from July 7 to July 11, 2022, with a travel period from September 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023.

    Alongside the domestic flight sales, Cebu Pacific is also offering a special international seat sale for as low as P499 one-way base fare for the same travel period.

    “This includes flights to South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, among others,” the airline said.

  • Cebu Pacific resumes flights to Australia

    Cebu Pacific resumes flights to Australia

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific said on Sunday it has expanded its Asia Pacific footprint with the resumption of its flights to Australia.

    With the easing of travel restrictions in the Philippines and Australia, Cebu Pacific has resumed its thrice weekly flights between Manila and Sydney.

    “With this route resumption, we are pleased to fly once again to and from this destination after more than two years. We know that many are excited to visit Sydney’s attractions like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi beach, Taronga Zoo and many more,” said Xander Lao, Chief Commercial Officer at Cebu Pacific.

    He added: “This also allows Filipinos to reunite with friends and family. We will continue working on boosting seamless connections across our network to address demand.”

    Sydney requires arriving tourists to present printed copies of their Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate upon check-in. Travelers must also complete and submit their Digital Passenger Declaration form at least 72 hours before departure.

    Coming home, boosted Filipinos no longer need to take a Covid test pre-departure.

    As countries continue to reduce Covid-19 measures, Cebu Pacific plans to revitalize its international network. Its domestic network has already been restored to 100 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity.

    Last month, the airline announced that it will ramp up its flights to Singapore from Manila and Cebu.

    In an advisory, Cebu Pacific said it will double the daily frequency of its Manila-Singapore operations starting July 1, while its thrice weekly Cebu-Singapore route will reopen on July 15.

    “We are delighted to continue ramping-up our international flight frequencies, not only in Manila, but also in Cebu. We know majority of the traveling public have been looking forward to travel internationally again, especially since a lot of countries have eased their restrictions. We continue to work towards the expansion of our international network while we maintain operating over 100 percent of our pre-pandemic domestic capacity,” Lao said.