Credit: 123rf

FROM September 1, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will take on a new moniker as the beleaguered national carrier restructures into a new company and undergoes a major rebranding to shake off the taint of recent disasters.

Having fulfilled the requirements to receive the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) in Malaysia, MAS was given the thumbs up to operate as Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) during a ceremony at Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport in Putrajaya on August 28.

In order to qualify for the AOC, the airline had to undergo months of audit activities to ensure air operations, maintenance procedures and other systems are in line with regulatory standards.

Liow Tiong Lai, Malaysian minister of transport, said: “This is an important milestone in the evolution of Malaysia’s national airline. The government of Malaysia is committed to ensure that the rejuvenated Malaysia Airlines will take off on a strong note. We hope to see more progress driven by the new entity especially in terms of service levels.”

MAS’ chairman Md Nor Yusof added: “This is a start of a new beginning. MAB will endeavour to ensure our passengers are given the best of our services and we will persevere to build a sustainable national icon.”

All assets and liabilities from MAS will be ported over to MAB, according to Khazanah Nasional, the parent company of the airline.

Khazanah added in a statement the revamped airline will be akin to a start-up company, equipped with a “refreshed Malaysian-centric brand”, young fleet and updated products on all longhaul flights, including flat beds in Business class and a better in-flight entertainment system. A new catering concept and more customisable flight experiences will also be on offer.

Singapore’s Changi Airport. Credit: 123rf

A RECENT study by Visa reports that Singaporeans are travelling significantly more than their regional and global counterparts.

The Global Travel Intentions Study 2015 shows that in the past two years, 95 per cent of Singaporeans have travelled abroad for leisure, compared to Asia Pacific (84 per cent) and global (76 per cent) travellers on average.

The top three destinations for Singaporean travellers over the last two years were Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand. For affluent travellers, Hong Kong was the top destination, followed by Australia and Japan. Singaporeans cite leisure as their main purpose for travelling (85 per cent) compared to Asia Pacific (76 per cent) and global (69 per cent) travellers.

Singaporeans also plan to embark on more leisure trips (four) in the next two years compared to travellers from Asia Pacific (three) and worldwide (two). Wealthier Singaporeans plan to take six leisure and eight business trips in the same period.

In 2016, intention to travel to Japan is the highest, with 12 per cent of all Singaporean travellers planning to travel there. Australia (11 per cent) and South Korea (8 per cent) follow closely behind.

Aditionally, the study shows that Singaporean travellers frequent online sources such as TripAdvisor and Agoda.com to plan their trips, with 75 per cent of Singaporeans preferring to travel free and easy compared to 58 per cent of Asia Pacific travellers and 60 per cent of global travellers.

Family bonding is revealed to be the top motivator for travel in the next one year with 57 per cent of Singaporean travellers citing so. Following closely behind are reasons such as experiencing new cultures and relaxation. Singaporeans aged 18-24 years-old however, cite rewarding self as the key driver to travel.

The study also reveals that Singaporeans are less willing to travel alone compared to travellers from Asia Pacific and around the world.

Credit: 123rf

SOUTH Korea’s national carrier is elated at news that the fuel surcharge imposed on international passengers is to be removed in September, the first time this cost is reduced to nothing in six years.

The move comes on the back of falling global oil prices and to serve as a boost for South Korea’s tourism sector that has suffered a series of problems this year.

The outbreak of MERS earlier in the summer had a dramatic impact on visitor numbers, while more recent border tensions with North Korea also convinced potential visitors to look elsewhere for their vacations.

“This is very good news and, we believe, will encourage more people to fly,” said a spokesperson for Korean Airlines, who declined to be named. “For flights from South Korea to Japan, the surcharge is only $10 or so, but it is a lot higher for longhaul flights to Europe and North America.”

“This will be a big help and we expect to see more people flying in the coming months,” he added.

South Korea’s tourism authorities have been working hard to reverse the dramatic decline in arrivals, with visitor numbers plummeting 40 per cent in June alone.

Other initiatives include cutting the highway toll between Incheon International Airport and Seoul by 10 per cent from September 1.

TTG Asia mourns the loss of our beloved photographer Patrick Tan, who died yesterday, August 27, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 53 years old.

Patrick was no stranger to many industry members, many of whom he had captured through his lens at travel tradeshows. He often brought life to the stands, not just to the pictorial pages of TTG Asia daily newspapers, but even during business negotiations. Meetings could stop in mid-air and serious faces would turn to huge smiles as he cajoled, teased and ribbed industry members to laughter and action.
Sending Patrick out to the tradeshow floor meant he would be pulled by sellers and buyers in 10 different directions – and Patrick would always oblige. He loved the industry as much as the industry loved him. Even in his last hours, he was hoping to come back to work, saying he missed the action.

A true professional whose humble ways belied deep experience and expertise in photography, Patrick took pride in his work. He cared for his photos the way any serious journalist cares for his/her copy. He would be the first to grab the daily and check if the printers had not messed up the colours of his pictorial pages.

A sad Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Asia, said: “Patrick’s dedication to TTG and to the industry was unique and touching. He did not work for the money and he would give it his all at every tradeshow – that kind of consistency just showed how much he loved what he was doing.

“TTG has lost an exceptional employee and I have lost a great friend.”

Raini Hamdi, senior editor, said: “Patrick once shared a secret with me. He said he still felt nervous at every tradeshow, no matter how many he had done. It made me realise what a consummate photojournalist he was and how lucky we were to have him on the team. Patrick also loved to joke – clean jokes, dirty jokes, funny jokes – he kept us going in our press room. I cannot believe he is no longer with us.”

“It is often said that no one is irreplaceable, but Patrick is the exception. Tradeshows and work trips will never be the same without him,” added Karen Yue, group editor.

Xinyi Liang-Pholsena, assistant editor was at a loss for words, but said: “His presence will be sorely missed. Patrick was part of my learning journey at TTG, a mentor who helped me learn the ropes of reporting at tradeshows and breaking the ice when speaking to buyers. Without him, many stories wouldn’t have been filed.”

Patrick always exclaimed “give me the thumbs up sign!” right before clicking the shutter, mentions Paige Lee Pei Qi, assistant editor.

“He was the tradeshow icon – armed with his camera and wide smile – that everyone knew and wanted to know. But more than an icon or a colleague, Patrick was also my friend and a fatherly figure who guided me into the industry, with nothing short of his wicked sense of humour. Although it is hard to say goodbye, I believe Patrick will be pleased with the legacy he has left behind,” she added.

Mimi Hudoyo, Indonesia editor, said: “Patrick was a true team player. He did not only care about having enough photos to fill the picture pages, but also helped reporters get stories. He would approach us and asked if we needed to speak to certain buyers and he would help identify them.

“He was more than a colleague to me. He was a kind, caring and mood-boosting friend.”

In parting, S Puvaneswary, Malaysia editor, said: “I never knew how much I would miss Patrick until now. He was always a good breakfast companion, cheerful and lively in the mornings, his enthusiasm for life was infectious. I will cherish the memories.”

A wake will be held at 3pm today, August 28, at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Oratory Room, located along 1259 Upper Serangoon Road. The entrance can be found opposite Punggol Park.

In an effort to support Patrick’s family through this difficult time, we have also set up a donation portal for all who wish to help them out financially.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Patrick’s wife, Irene, and his two daughters. He will not be forgotten by us.