HK airport transformation takes off with passenger experience in mind

April 11, 2019

FredLamHKAA1332_CEO — Lam: while terminal upgrades are underway, there are plans for a SkyCity development that 'goes far beyond' the traditional concept of a shopping mall with options for retail, dining and entertainment as well as offices and hotels

As long-time regional rival Changi Airport gears up to open Jewel, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is set to undergo an expansion driven by a vision to transform the gateway into a destination in itself while coping with the anticipated increase in air traffic.

A central tenet of HKIA’s expansion plans is driven by passenger experience, including connecting to the 25ha Skycity mega integrated development – set to be completed in phases between 2023-2027 – as well as the acquisition of AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) last September, said Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), CEO, Fred Lam, speaking to the media on the sidelines of the ACI WAGA conference in Hong Kong last week.

Lam: while terminal upgrades are underway, there are also plans for SkyCity, which ‘goes far beyond’ the traditional concept of a shopping mall, with office and hotel spaces

Lam said: “The concept (of Skycity) goes far beyond the traditional notion of a shopping mall and will provides a full range of retail, dining and entertainment facilities plus offices and hotels. Right next to it is AWE which offers a wide range of facilities for conventions, exhibitions, entertainment and sporting events.”

“We took over the management (of AWE) recently and put together a plan to further expand the facility and space in order to capture growth and demand for entertainment and high-profile consumer events, making our airport a destination in itself,” he elaborated.

The airport chief is also hopeful of a wider market catchment in the Greater Bay Area that enhanced connectivity has brought.

With enhanced access to mainland China that the new infrastructure has brought, Lam is also hopeful of a wider Greater Bay Area market catchment.

He said: “We forecast air traffic demand will continue to grow in the coming years and to capitalise on that, we are expanding terminal capacity and services.”

In the immediate pipeline is the complete overhaul of Terminal 1 (T1), while in the longer term there plans to construct an additional runway, a new passenger concourse with 57 parking stands, and new automated people mover and baggage handling system.

“The construction works are on track for the new facilities to commence operation in 2024,” Lam shared.

AAHK also kick-started a slew of upgrades and rejuvenations of existing terminals. The new annex building scheduled to open in October 2019 next to T1 offers an additional check-in aisle with over 40 new counters and self-service bag drop; East Hall Food Court will have a new look and new outlets, a children’s playground and open air garden; as well as the Sky Bridge connecting T1 with the North Satellite Concourse.

From sea to air connection, the number of city check-in terminals within GBA will increase from 16 to 29 in future.

Tourism hopes high with new Yogyakarta airport starting operations end-April

By Tiara Maharani

April 11, 2019

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kalibiru-yogyakarta — Kalibiru, Yogyakarta

Trade players are eagerly anticipating the new opportunities that the long-awaited Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) will bring, when the 210,000m² facility finally completes its first phase of development and starts operations at the end of April.

Devy Suradji, director of marketing and service of the state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura I (AP I), explained in an official press statement: “Construction of YIA’s runway and terminal is almost complete, and we are targeting to operate six international flights, two return services from Singapore, and four flights to and from Kuala Lumpur.”

Airlines from Qatar, Turkey, the UAE, Japan and Australia have also expressed interest in opening direct flights to the new airport.

YIA will have a 3,250m by 45m runway, which will be able to accommodate wide-body aircraft and 300 landing slots. The new airport has a capacity of 14 million passengers per year, nine times the capacity of existing Adisutjipto International Airport.

Development of the new gateway is expected to complete by the end of year, Devy added.

He said: “When the airport is fully operated, we will relocate 30 per cent of domestic flights and all international flights from Adisutjipto Airport. This is expected to reduce the burden on Adisutjipto Airport, which serves about 8.4 million passengers annually.”

Adisutjipto Airport is currently the backbone of Yogyakarta tourism, but its capacity has come under strain and delays frequent amid tourism’s rapid growth.

According to AP 1, the ideal capacity of Adisucipto Airport is 1.7 million passengers per year. However, the airport’s passenger flow has reached 8.4 million people in 2018 with 188 domestic flights and six international flights per day.

Denny Ristyanto, director of sales and marketing of Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel, believes the new airport would be a game changer for Yogyakarta.

He said: “YIA has undoubtedly become an important force in leading the development of Yogyakarta’s tourism sector and will definitely increase inbound travellers.”

Udhi Sudiyanto, owner of Antar Anda Tour and Travel, is optimistic that YIA will become tourism hub in Java Island, after Jakarta. “YIA may become a main (gateway) for Yogyakarta, Solo and Semarang (Joglosemar),” he said.

But Widodo Nugroho, owner of Jogja Geowisata, has other concerns. “The distance from the Yogyakarta city centre to the new airport is about one to two hours by car (under the current road structure). In addition, the main road to the new airport is still narrow, there is only one lane for four-wheeled vehicles. If the government does not immediately expand the road and build a highway (the city has been planning), this will disrupt tourists’ comfort.”

Until the local government shows its commitment to improve road infrastructure and attract international airlines, Yogyakarta won’t be able to fully reap the benefits the new airport will bring, said Denny.

“It may take three or four year to see the impact, as tourism stakeholders still expect a number of improvements in infrastructure such as the construction of road access in Yogyakarta,” he remarked.

Viking, China Merchants join hands to float out Chinese-dedicated cruise line

By TTG Asia

April 11, 2019

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Viking-Cruises-China-Merchants — Viking's Torstein Hagen with China Merchants Group's Gangfeng Fu

Viking and China Merchants Shekou, a flagship subsidiary promoting cruise port development under the state-owned China Merchant Group, have signed an MoU to form a joint venture to build a cruise line for the Chinese market.

“This will be a full scale, multi-dimensional cooperation that covers all three main business sectors of China Merchants Group”, said Gangfeng Fu, president of the group.

Viking’s Torstein Hagen with China Merchants Group’s Gangfeng Fu

The partnership will range from product development to sales and marketing. As part of the agreement, China Merchants Group’s shipbuilding subsidiaries will design and build new ocean cruise ships.

Commented Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking: “China is a dynamic outbound tourism market… Our partnership with China Merchants Group will allow us to bring this Viking travel lifestyle to more Chinese travellers more quickly, satisfying the Chinese market’s unmet demand for a greater choice of sophisticated travel.”

Viking operates a current fleet of 78 vessels, offering cruising on rivers and oceans around the world. China has been a part of Viking’s destination portfolio since 2003. Since setting up local operations in China in 2016, the company has seen strong momentum in its European river cruise product tailored for Chinese-speaking guests.

Spain lands first Anantara following Minor’s acquisition of NH Hotel Group

By TTG Asia

April 11, 2019

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The rebranding of Villa Padierna Palace, a hotel located in Marbella in the south of Spain, into an Anantara branded property is the outcome of an integration drive that Thailand-based Minor Hotels has embarked on following its acquisition of NH Hotel Group in October 2018.

Following its rebranding, Villa Padierna – which is owned by the Villa Padierna group – will be managed by NH Hotel Group with immediate effect under a variable lease agreement.

Located in the Costa del Sol’s Golf Valley, the relaunched Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort will become the first Anantara in NH Hotel Group’s home market of Spain and the second Anantara in Europe after the launch of the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal two years ago.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels, commented that the upcoming launch of Anantara Villa Padierna, Marbella Benahavís Resort “demonstrates our commitment to integrate Minor Hotels and NH portfolio of brands and operational expertise across our joint and expanding geographical footprint”.

Both Minor Hotels and NH Hotel Group have started to implement key integration strategies, bringing all of their hotel brands under a single corporate umbrella, now with presence in over 50 countries worldwide.

Two key integration initiatives include the transfer earlier this year of Minor Hotels’ Portugal and Brazil operations to NH Hotel Group to benefit from scale and geographic expertise as well as brand alignment of both hotel groups, so that the geographic operating clusters can best capitalise upon brand expansion and rebranding opportunities.

Local experiences pave way to greener pastures

By S Puvaneswary

April 11, 2019

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Chin-Yoon-Khen,-Lokalocal — LokaLocal’s founder Chin Yoon Khen aims for nearly double the number of listed activities this year

A substantial funding injection from South Korea venture capital firm BonAngels will enable LokaLocal, a Malaysian travel technology start-up, to ramp up its product range and fuel its expansion goals.

The experienced-based travel platform currently lists more than 800 activities throughout the country, ranging from paddy harvesting and cooking classes to traditional lantern and shadow puppets making. Small tour operators can also list their day tours, or two- or three-day itineraries on LokaLocal.

LokaLocal’s founder Chin Yoon Khen aims to grow the platform to 1,000 listings this year

With the funding boost, LokaLocal’s founder Chin Yoon Khen hopes to grow the platform’s stable of activities to 1,000 by the end of this year.

Part of the funding will also be invested into a merchant solution to enable sellers to easily track their daily and monthly sales activities, as well as to provide quicker responses to enquiries and booking confirmations. The website will also be upgraded to provide a better user experience.

LokaLocal was established by Chin in April 2016, an idea born after the documentary photographer turned photographs of local artisans into a 500-page full-coloured book titled Traditional Trades in Penang.

Chin saw a growing demand from tourists seeking unique local experiences, leading to the launch of LokaLocal with a focus on matching traditional artisans as local guides for travellers. These cultural and heritage experiences are marketed creatively on the website through professional photographs and videos.

Some of the locals featured in his book project are now experts on LokaLocal, providing workshops for tourists interested to pick up skills such as joss stick making and batik painting.

“More than 80 per cent of sales comes from the local expatriate community living and working in Malaysia, as well as tourists from the US, Australia and New Zealand,” he shared.

“Most are between the ages of 25-34, and are looking for authentic local experiences and opportunities to make new friends.”

And although LokaLocal is not the first nor the largest digital tours and activities marketplace, Chin believes there’re merits to standing on the shoulders of giants.

“These giants have helped build the ecosystem faster, helped to educate suppliers on how to be good local experts, and how to market their business,” said Chin.

“We believe we have an edge over the competition because we are homegrown, and who knows Malaysia better than a native?”

Update [April 14, 12.45]: Details on how the company intends to grow and improve the platform in paragraphs three and four were amended to reflect the company’s current plans, which were revised between the time of interview and when the article was published. Specifically, plans are now to grow the listing to 1,000 instead of 1,500, and the website will be upgraded to provide “better user experience” rather than faster loading time.

Night-time theme park opens in Seoul

By TTG Asia

April 11, 2019

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A new indoor theme park, Wonderbox, has opened, completing the first phase of the Paradise City IR project in Incheon, South Korea.

The two-storey building covers an area of 3,933m2, and with the concept of a night-time amusement park, brings multimedia entertainment, rides, F&B and events to visitors.

Carnivalesque vibes await the ‘millennial family’ at Wonderbox

“In the tourism industry, Asia and the Pacific region is the second most popular market in the world, with a high annual growth rate of 9.7 per cent,” said Chang Wyan Ahn, executive vice president of developer Paradise Segassamy.

Among the highlights at Wonderbox is the “environmental performances” created in collaboration with Moment Factory, a global multimedia entertainment studio behind the projection mapping of Spain’s Sagrada Familia.

The attraction has also introduced to South Korea rides such as the sports attraction Sky Trail, 360-degree rotary Mega-Mix, and Magic Bike, a pedal-powered gondola ride.

Another first is pastry chef Janice Wong’s first store in South Korea, located on Wonderbox’s Chocolate Street.

Heightening the festive mood, the company will bring hands-on content for men and women of all ages. The main performance, Luna Carnival, will meet visitors inside the Main Agora and Paradise City, staged against the backdrop of moonlight.

Construction on Paradise City began in November 2014, a project by the Paradise Segasammy joint venture between Paradise Group and Japan’s Segasammy Holdings.

A total of 1.5 trillion won (US$1.3 billion) was spent on the project, and the total site spans 330,000m2. In 2017, Paradise Hotel & Resort and Paradise Casino and Convention opened, followed by the boutique hotel, spa, club, art exhibition space, shopping arcades and multi-purpose studios in 2018.

Chiva-Som dangles anniversary deal ahead of half-year closure for revamp

By TTG Asia

April 11, 2019

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Thailand’s Chiva-Som International Health Resort is extending a special 24th anniversary offer to all guests who stay for a minimum of three nights during the month of April.

Guests of Chiva-Som will receive a voucher of 10,000 baht (US$315) per person, per stay, which can be used for health and wellness treatments (excluding Niranlada and visiting consultants) or Chiva-Som signature products. In addition, guests will receive complimentary VIP fast track service upon arrival and departure.

Guests receive vouchers to spend on Chiva-Som’s wellness treatments

This offer is available to guests staying from April 1-30, 2019 in any room type for a minimum of three nights. The rate code, 24ANNIVERSARY, should be referred to when making eligible bookings. Terms and conditions apply.

Chiva-Som will be closed for completion of its extensive refurbishment programme from May 1 to October 31, 2019.

For further information and reservation, email reservation@chivasom.comor call the resort at (66) 3253 6536.

Aviation roundup: AirAsia, Firefly and more

By TTG Asia

April 11, 2019

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AirAsia launches flights between Bangkok and Ahmedabad
AirAsia has launched a new route connecting Bangkok with Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat state and India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, FD144 takes off from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport at 19.00 for arrival in Ahmedabad at 21.50. Flight FD145 leaves Ahmedabad at 22.20 the same day, arriving back in Bangkok’s Don Mueang at 04.15 the following day.

Firefly resumes flights to Singapore
Malaysian budget carrier Firefly will resume flights to Singapore on April 21, operating out of Seletar Airport, after the two countries agreed to work together to develop GPS-based instrument approach procedures to replace the Instrument Landing System. Before the flights were suspended last December, Firefly operated 20 daily flights between Singapore and Subang, Ipoh and Kuantan.

Yangon gets more flights from China
Sichuan Airlines has launched twice-weekly flights from Chengdu to Yangon International Airport’s (YIA) Terminal 1, utilising an Airbus A321-211A aircraft with total 189-seat capacity for the new service. Every Monday and Thursday, flights from Chengdu will arrive in Yangon at 00.20. Flights are scheduled to depart Yangon at 01.20 for arrival in Chengdu at 05.40. This is Sichuan Airlines’ third international destination operating from YIA.

In addition, China Eastern Airlines has launched thrice-weekly Hohhot-Kunming-Yangon flights at YIA Terminal 1.Using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a seat capacity of 184 for the new service, China Eastern Airlines round-trip flights arrive in Yangon at 15.10 every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, before departing on the roundtrip back to Hohhot at 01.20.

PAL takes off for Phnom Penh
Philippine Airlines has launched its first flights to Phnom Penh International Airport. Using a 156-seater Airbus 320 aircraft, the new service operates five-times-weekly flights (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays). The arrival time in Phnom Penh is at 23.45 while departing time back to Manila is scheduled one hour after.

Himalaya Airlines connects Abu Dhabi to Nepal
Himalaya Airlines has launched thrice weekly flights between Kathmandu’s Nepal Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and Abu Dhabi. Using its Airbus 320 aircraft, which includes eight premium economy and 150 economy seats, the flights operate on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Flights are scheduled to depart from Kathmandu at 20.45 to arrive at Abu Dhabi at 23.45. Returning flights to Kathmandu are scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 01.45, and arrive at Kathmandu at 08.00.

Indonesia, M’sia and Singapore shine as top halal travel destinations

By TTG Asia

April 10, 2019

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Muslim traveller — The Muslim travel market is one of the fastest -rowing tourism sectors in the world

Indonesia has for the first time joined Malaysia to take up the top spot on the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2019, while Singapore retained its premier position as the top Muslim-friendly non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destination for Muslim travellers.

Climbing up from number two, Indonesia now shares the pole position with Malaysia, with a score of 78 on the GMTI, a reflection of the sustained efforts by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism to invest in its tourism and travel industry, and develop Muslim-tourist friendly infrastructure.

The Muslim travel market is one of the fastest -rowing tourism sectors in the world

Other OIC countries including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Oman and Brunei continue to be popular with Muslim tourists. These destinations can continue to reap the benefits of their inherently Muslim-friendly environment by leveraging new technologies to strategically build services that better engage young, millennial Muslim travellers, the report stated.

Among non-OIC countries, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, Japan and Taiwan have retained their positions in the top five and have further improved their scores on the Index. In a first for South Korea and the Philippines, these countries have entered the top 10 non-OIC destinations, displacing Germany and Australia. Spain has also entered the list of top 10 non-OIC countries, emerging as a key halal-friendly European destination for Muslim travellers this year.

In an effort to attract more Muslim tourists, non-OIC destinations have been much more active, as compared with some OIC destinations, in developing their capacity and capability to attract Muslim travellers. For example, destinations such as Spain, South Korea and the Philippines have developed useful resources and travel guides that cater to Muslim preferences by listing best halal restaurants and nearby prayer facilities.

The GMTI tracks the health and growth of 130 destinations globally, within and outside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in four strategic areas – access, communications, environment and services.

In 2018, there were an estimated 140 million Muslim visitors worldwide – up from 131 million in 2017 – representing 10 per cent of the global travel industry.

The Muslim travel market is one of the fastest -rowing tourism sectors in the world, but despite its huge potential, remains relatively untapped. By 2026, the halal travel sector’s contribution to the global economy is expected to jump 35 per cent to US$300 billion, up from US$220 billion in 2020. By that time, Muslim visitors globally are forecast to grow to 230 million visitors, to represent more than 10 percent of tourists worldwide.

The halal travel market has undergone significant changes in recent years. Driven by the rapid pace of digital and technological transformation, a new phase of Muslim travel is emerging, one that is defined by experience and connectivity – Halal Travel 2.0 – which leverages technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality, to better engage Muslim travellers in the digital age.

Air taxi trials prepare for take-off in Singapore

By Pamela Chow

April 10, 2019

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Mr_Baey_Yam_Keng,_Senior_Parliamentary_Secretary,_Ministry_of_Transport,_and_Mr_Florian_Reuter,_CEO,_Volocopter,_with_the_Volocopter_2X_aircraft — Posing with the Volocopter 2X aircraft, Baey Yam Keng, senior parliamentary secretary, Singapore's Ministry of Transport, with Volocopter's Florian Reuter

Come 3Q2019, Singapore will commence test flights for Asia’s first self-flying taxi service, featuring electrically powered short-distance aircraft operated by German company Volocopter.

Volocopter’s CEO Florian Reuter shared this timeline at Rotorcraft Asia 2019 and Unmanned Systems Asia 2019 yesterday, adding that the trials are supported by public and private entities including the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and ST Engineering.

Posing with the Volocopter 2X aircraft, Baey Yam Keng, senior parliamentary secretary, Singapore’s Ministry of Transport, with Volocopter’s Florian Reuter

Meant to complement existing transport systems – from international flights to the conventional taxis – the air taxi solution is similar to a ride-hailing platform, where passengers can access the service via a booking app.

Each aircraft flies two persons for a distance of less than 30km, and is powered by nine independent battery packs and 18 overhead propellers. While the aircraft can be manoeuvred autonomously, initial public flights will be operated with a certified pilot.

Reuter shared that the starting cost of each trip will be higher than regular taxi fares, but in the long run the pricing of Volocopter rides can be comparable to their land counterparts.

Allaying concerns about safety, he assured that the aircrafts are “as safe as commercial airlines”. He added that the vehicles are “extremely quiet”.

“We want this vehicle to be as minimally intrusive as possible. There’s a lot of thought that has gone into designing the Volocopter to make it perfect vehicle for urban air mobility,” said Reuter.

Tan Chun Wei, deputy director, transformation programmes, CAAS, confirmed that the test flights will be conducted in the southern region of Singapore and over water. Reuter said that discussions with involved parties could open up cross-border routes to popular nearby destinations such as Johor and Bintan.

“There’s a lot of interesting things to learn from Singapore and (see) how we can bring this to other cities as well. We are convinced Singapore is the perfect role model and showcase for other cities to replicate what Singapore is establishing,” expressed Reuter.

In September 2017, Volocopter put its first autonomous two-seater aircrafts to the test in Dubai. In February, Frankfurt Airport and Volocopter inked a deal to develop concepts for ground infrastructure and operations required for air taxi services. Volocopter opened its Singapore office in January.

HK airport transformation takes off with passenger experience in mind

Tourism hopes high with new Yogyakarta airport starting operations end-April

Viking, China Merchants join hands to float out Chinese-dedicated cruise line

Spain lands first Anantara following Minor’s acquisition of NH Hotel Group

Local experiences pave way to greener pastures

Night-time theme park opens in Seoul

Chiva-Som dangles anniversary deal ahead of half-year closure for revamp

Aviation roundup: AirAsia, Firefly and more

Indonesia, M’sia and Singapore shine as top halal travel destinations

Air taxi trials prepare for take-off in Singapore

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