TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 14th April 2026
Page 403

First-ever off-airport check-in service launches at Kansai International Airport

0

Airporter and MUIC Kansai (Kansai Innovation Center) have initiated Japan’s first off-airport check-in service at Kansai International Airport.

The service aims to streamline the luggage process for outbound travellers, delivering luggage directly from hotels (or designated drop-off points) to departure airports in Japan and onward to international arrival airports, thus enabling hands-free travel.

The off-airport check-in service will enable visitors to Japan to enjoy the convenience of hands-free travel

By combining Airporter’s same-day luggage delivery service with online check-in provided by airlines, this service contributes to the digitisation of boarding procedures, reducing the occurrence of long queues.

Osaka was the initial focus for implementing the service due to the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. A three-month proof of concept demonstration was conducted between July to September last year, targeting Japan Airline users departing from Kansai International Airport for the verification of service operations.

Both companies plan to enhance their services aiming for full-scale expansion to ready for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and will be expanding partnerships with major Asian airlines commonly used by international travellers visiting Japan.

With the goal to develop dedicated equipment that can be installed in hotels, stations, and other locations, these will enable passengers to perform luggage check-in procedures at specific points within the city, allowing travellers to conveniently check in their luggage at designated locations during their journey.

Vietjet adds four wet-leased aircraft for upcoming Lunar New Year holidays

0

Vietjet has expanded its fleet with four wet-leased aircraft to meet the high travel demand during the Lunar New Year peak season.

The addition of four wet-leased aircraft, including pilots and flight crew, will cater to the needs of customers and enhance capacity during one of Asia’s largest holidays.

The additional wet-leased aircraft will help meet the high travel demand during the Lunar New Year

The Vietnamese government has approved a seven-day Lunar New Year holiday break from February 8 to 14 – this period will see workers from major cities and industrial hubs returning to their hometowns for family reunions, as well as an increase in holiday-goers visiting tourist destinations.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), there will be approximately 33,800 flights from January 24 to February 25 operated by Vietnamese airlines, during this peak travel period. This represents a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year and a 21 per cent increase compared to the current regular flight schedule.

In addition, the airline has installed extra check-in kiosks in selected airports to ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers while encouraging online check-in to avoid congestion at the airports.

Vietjet is offering special promotions for the Lunar New Year, with weekly ticket promotions every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday until February 10 for all international flights. There is also a special golden promotional week with up to 20 per cent off on Business and SkyBoss tickets.

Teardrop Hotels offers special itinerary for Lunar New Year

0

Teardrop Hotels is offering a special four-day itinerary tailored for travellers eager to experience the best of Sri Lanka’s south coast over the Lunar New Year break.

The package includes airport transfers and four nights’ accommodation across two boutique hotels in two iconic destinations on Sri Lanka’s south and south-west coast – Fort Bazaar in UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, and Lunuganga near Bentota.

Stay at lake-front estate Lunuganga, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning vistas

Beginning in Galle at Fort Bazaar, guests will be based at the 18-room spa hotel and immerse themselves for two days in the vibrant heritage of Galle Fort. Some experiences include a complimentary walking tour with a resident historian of the Fort’s cobblestone streets lined with shops, galleries, and architectural wonders dating back centuries. Guests may also opt to take on a Sri Lankan culinary experience with Fort Bazaar’s on-site chef.

The second leg of the itinerary takes travellers to Lunuganga, a lake-front estate surrounded by lush greenery and stunning vistas. All in-house guests enjoy a garden tour, as well as immersive experiences such as a morning or afternoon boat ride along the Dedduwa Lake from the banks of Lunuganga, and a visit to nearby traditional mask museums.

Bookings for this exclusive four-day itinerary are now open, with prices starting from US$2,610 for two guests.

Transfers to local sites of interest during the four nights stay are not included in the price of the package and are chargeable.

For more information, email Teardrop Hotels.

Discova names Mike Chan as regional GM for South-east Asia

0

Discova has appointed Mike Chan as its new regional general manager for Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand in South-east Asia.

He will engage in close collaboration with these four destinations for a comprehensive understanding of the business.

Chan previously served as the company’s country manager for Singapore and Malaysia, and has over 20 years of work experience in the travel industry with an extensive knowledge of the region.

Air travel recovery continues to soar, reaches near-2019 levels

0

Air travel demand has topped 99 per cent of 2019 levels, revealed the International Air Transport Association (IATA), based on its November 2023 air travel performance data.

Total traffic in November 2023 (measured in RPKs) rose 29.7 per cent compared to November 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 99.1 per cent of November 2019 levels.

IATA reveals that air travel demand has reached near 99 per cent of 2019 levels

International traffic rose 26.4 per cent versus November 2022. The Asia-Pacific region continued to report the strongest year-over-year results (+63.8 per cent) with all regions showing improvement compared to the prior year. November 2023 international RPKs reached 94.5 per cent of November 2019 levels.

Domestic traffic for November 2023 was up 34.8 per cent compared to November 2022, while total November 2023 domestic traffic was 6.7 per cent above the November 2019 level.

Growth was particularly strong in China (+272 per cent) as it recovered from the Covid travel restrictions that were still in place a year ago.

As for international passenger markets, Asia-Pacific airlines had a 63.8 per cent rise in November traffic compared to November 2022, which was the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 58 per cent and the load factor was up 2.9 percentage points to 82.6 per cent.

Middle Eastern airlines saw an 18.6 per cent traffic rise in November compared to November 2022. November capacity increased 19 per cent versus the year-ago period, and load factor fell 0.2 percentage points to 77.4 per cent.

“We are moving ever closer to surpassing the 2019 peak year for air travel. Economic headwinds are not deterring people from taking to the skies. International travel remains 5.5 per cent below pre-pandemic levels but that gap is rapidly closing – and domestic markets have been above their pre-pandemic levels continuously since April,” said Willie Walsh, director general, IATA.

He also highlighted on the need to ramp up Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.

“In parallel to aviation’s recovery, governments recognised the urgency of transitioning from jet fuel to SAF for aviation’s decarbonisation. Airlines agreed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and every drop of SAF ever made in that effort has been bought and used. There simply is not enough SAF being produced,” said Walsh.

“So, we look to 2024 to be the year when governments follow-up on their own declarations and finally deliver comprehensive policy measures to incentivise the rapid scaling-up of SAF production.”

Read the full report here.

Cathay Pacific readies for Chinese New Year season, completes planned flight consolidations

0

Following the earlier announcement on January 7 that it would be cancelling an average of 12 flights a day through January and February, Cathay Pacific has now finalised the planned cancellations as well as contacted affected customers with alternative arrangements.

This decision was made by the airline so as to prevent flight cancellations for the upcoming Chinese New Year peak travel period between February 7 and 18.

Cathay Pacific customers booked to fly during the Chinese New Year peak travel period can travel as planned without fear of cancellations

Alex McGowan, chief operations and service delivery officer, Cathay Pacific, commented: “I would like to extend a sincere apology to our customers affected by recent travel disruptions. Over the Christmas and New Year period, we underestimated the number of reserve pilots we would need. Our people (had) worked round the clock to minimise the impact.

“Given our January pilot rosters were already set in mid-December, the lack of adequate reserve levels persisted into January. In order to stabilise the current operation, we needed to cancel further flights across the first two weeks of January. Cancellations peaked at 27 flights on January 7 and will be fewer over subsequent weeks.”

Cathay Pacific assures all customers booked to fly during the Chinese New Year peak travel period can travel as planned.

Thai Airways to resume direct services to Perth in March

0

Thai Airways will recommence its daily non-stop service between Bangkok and Perth from March 27.

The daily service will be operated on a B787-8 aircraft.

Thai Airways will recommence its daily service between Bangkok and Perth from March

The resumed service also provides an additional flight option for visitors from the UK and continental Europe, which are priority markets for Western Australia.

Mak Mak welcomes first Air Macau flight from Malaysia

0

Macao Government Tourism Office’s (MGTO) mascot Mak Mak led celebrations at Macau International Airport yesterday evening as Air Macau’s first flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia arrived with Malaysian travel trade and media representatives along with other passengers.

The new service is expected to increase airlift between Macau and South-east Asia, thereby boosting the diversity of visitations as Macau steps up promotions in international visitor markets.

MGTO mascot Mak Mak welcoming Malaysian travel trade and media representatives

The arriving delegation will participate in a four-day fam trip.

MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, who was also present at the landmark event, said Air Macau’s direct flight will enable more Malaysian and international visitors to be attracted to Macau’s breadth of tourism appeal.

Exchange and cooperation will be enhanced in tourism, culture and commerce between the two destinations.

Malaysia is Macau’s first largest international tourism source market. Along with Air Macau’s operations, the destination has 17 direct flights per week between the two lands.

New hotels: Southern Ocean Lodge, The Tokyo Edition, Ginza and more

0
Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia
Baillie Lodges flagship property Southern Ocean Lodge has reopened on the south coast of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island.

The property features 23 luxurious suites along the coastline boasting uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean and rolling coastal wilderness. All guest suites feature private decks, an EcoSmart fireplace and sink-in bathtub. The new Ocean Pavilion offers a single four-bedroom owner’s residence or two separate two-bedroom suites, suitable for families and friends travelling together.

Facilities include a wet-edge pool, hot and cold plunge pools, spa, sauna, and gym.

The Tokyo Edition, Ginza

The Tokyo Edition, Ginza, Japan
The Tokyo Edition, Ginza is situated in the heart of one of Tokyo’s most desirable destinations, with the shopping and entertainment district, as well as several Michelin-listed restaurants in Japan, all just outside the hotel.

Its 86 guestrooms comprise 10 spacious suites with separate living areas, entry-level rooms, and The Penthouse Suite that has an open-plan living room, dining area, and a fully equipped pantry kitchen.

The boutique hotel also has facilities such as a gym, lobby bar, rooftop bar, and brasserie.

Veriu Collingwood

Veriu Collingwood, Australia
Located in the Collingwood Arts Precinct in Melbourne’s inner city is the new 95-key Veriu Collingwood, an apartment hotel accommodation.

The property offers suite accommodation that includes kitchen facilities, in-room laundry facilities, balconies (in most) and fast Internet connectivity. There is also a rooftop pool and bar which boasts incredible views across the city, conference and meeting facilities, secure parking, restaurant, and gym.

Just a short walk from the hotel is the vibrant Smith Street, home to some of the city’s most popular restaurants, coffee, bars and vintage stores. Guests will also find it easy to get to Melbourne’s CBD and attractions like the Melbourne Museum, the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Cricket Ground via the bus services and train lines nearby.

Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park

Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park, Malaysia
Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park is a 180-room urban oasis overlooking Bukit Nanas and flanked by KL Forest Eco Park.

It features a restaurant serving up local cuisine as well as a steakhouse. There is also a fitness centre, outdoor pool, lobby library, and event venues.

Many of the items in the guestrooms will also be available for purchase, including hand-woven baskets, which will be sold in support of the Penan community, a nomadic indigenous people from East Malaysia.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa unveils 2024 delights

0

To celebrate the new year, Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa has lined up a range of family-friendly adventures.

For the first time in Danang, Le Petit Chef will take the stage in the resort from January 15 where diners are led by the famous tiny chef for an evening of gastronomy blended with immersive 3D cinema. Prices for Le Petit Chef start at two million dong (US$82) per adult.

The Arena is a new social space where the whole family can have fun together

The resort has also launched The Arena, a new social space where the entire family can have fun in, including arcade machines featuring perennial favourites like Pac Man, racing games, shooting games, air hockey, exclusive PlayStation 5 and even a board game room. The fun family space is open daily from 09.30 to 18.00.

From now to February 29, save 15 per cent on accommodation at Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa with bookings of three nights or more, valid for stays between January 8 and December 20.

For more information, visit Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa.