Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and other aviation updates in Asia
AirAsia to launch Chiang Mai-Hanoi flights
AirAsia has opened ticket sales for its four-times-weekly flights between Chiang Mai and Hanoi launching on October 28. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, flight FD870 departs Chiang Mai at 13.20 for arrival in Hanoi at 14.50. FD871 leaves Hanoi the same day at 15.20, arriving in Chiang Mai at 16.55.
PAL goes to Sapporo
Philippine Airlines will commence thrice-weekly Manila-Sapporo service on September 10, utilising its new 168-seat Airbus A321neo aircraft. The six-hour direct flight will leave every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Korean Air advances partnership with Delta with new Boston service
On April 12, 2019, Korean Air will launch a nonstop service between Boston and Seoul in cooperation with joint venture partner, Delta Air Lines. The new Boston flight, along with new Minneapolis/St. Paul-Seoul service that Delta is launching in 2019, are the first additions to the joint venture’s Seoul-Incheon network since the two carriers launched their partnership in May.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, flights depart Seoul at 9.30 and arrive in Boston at 10.30 on the same day. The return flight will depart from Boston at 13.30 and arrive in Seoul at 16.50 the following day.
Emirates updates schedule on Singapore sectors
Commencing October 28, Emirates will effect some changes to its schedule between Dubai (DXB), Singapore (SIN), Brisbane (BNE) and Melbourne (MEL).
Qatar Airways deploys latest wide-body Airbus on JFK route
Qatar will deploy the Airbus A350-1000 on its New York JFK route starting October 28. This will be the airline’s first commercial US route to be operated with Airbus’ latest wide-body aircraft, which currently services daily non-stop service between Doha and London.
The A350-1000 offers 327 seats across two cabins, with Qsuite Business Class seats and 18-inch extra wide Economy Class seats. The aircraft is said to emit the lowest twin-engine noise level of any aircraft.
