Tag Archives: Asia

Asia sees 31% growth in premium travel; FCM Travel

 

Corporate travellers are increasingly choosing business class for trips to Asia, with the region reporting the highest year-on-year growth in premium travel. Data from Flight Centre Travel Group’s corporate travel arms—FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller—highlighted significant growth in business travel to Malaysia (31%), Hong Kong (19%), India (18%), the Philippines (9%), and China (8.8%) in H2-2024 compared to H2-2023.

Asia’s strategic importance is reflected in its dual role as a critical trade region and a transit gateway between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. “Asia is vital for global business, with trade relations involving China, Hong Kong, and India driving travel demand,” said Sunny Sodhi, Managing Director of FCM Travel India. The region’s central location has also positioned it as a preferred destination for conferences and events, attracting delegates from major cities like London, New York, and Sydney.

Trade integration within Asia continues to rise, with nearly 57% of the region’s trade value in 2022 originating within Asia, according to McKinsey & Company. ASEAN has emerged as a key connector, with Vietnam doubling its imports from China and increasing exports to the United States by USD USD 60 billion between 2017 and 2023. Similar trends are evident in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, further boosting business travel demand to these destinations.

Sunny Sodhi also noted that increased airline capacity, competitive pricing, and greater availability have supported the surge in business class travel. Looking ahead to 2025, trade will remain a focal point under a new global administration, but the necessity of business travel will persist as companies prioritise growth and connectivity. Key markets driving business class growth to Asia include Malaysia, India, and Hong Kong from ANZ; Singapore, Thailand, and India from the Americas; and Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia from the UK.

Air India is on an expansion spree, in India and abroad.

Air India to start daily service on Delhi-Bhuj route from Feb 1

Air India will start daily flights between Delhi and Bhuj, starting February 1, 2025. Air India will operate the route with its A320 aircraft, complementing its daily flights between Mumbai and Bhuj.

The new service also enables travellers from Bhuj to take seamless one-stop connections via Delhi to other parts of India as well as to points in North America, UK, Southeast Asia, and vice versa.

Air India will operate the route with its A320 aircraft, bringing the only full-service flying option to customers travelling to and from Bhuj.

The flights are available for booking through all channels, including Air India’s official website (www.airindia.com), mobile app, and through travel agents.

 

SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN DELHI AND BHUJ
Flight # Frequency Sector Departure Arrival
AI2479 Daily Delhi-Bhuj 15:00 16:55
AI2480 Daily Bhuj-Delhi 17:30 19:35

Hong Kong Airport makes history raising USD 7 billion in bonds issue

The Airport Authority Hong Kong raised USD7 billion this week by issuing bonds in three currencies – the largest ever public offering of bonds by a Hong Kong company.

Most of that was done in a three-tranche dollar bond deal which garnered USD 4.15 billion, according to a term sheet seen by Reuters on Thursday.

It raised USD 1.3 billion in a 3.5-year bond, USD 1.85 billion in a 5.5-year deal and USD 1 billion in a 10-year tranche.

The firm also raised the equivalent of USD 2.8 billion in Hong Kong dollar and Chinese yuan bonds this week, term sheets for those deals showed. The Hong Kong dollar deal of HKD 18.5 billion was also the largest ever from a company in that currency.

The dollar tranche was the biggest for a Hong Kong company since 2003, book runners said.

The company plans to use some of the proceeds to fund ongoing work for its third runway system which was opened in November after nine years of construction, according to the dollar bond prospectus. Aviation Authority Hong Kong is also planning a staged expansion of the airport’s terminal 2 facility.

Some of the money raised will also pay down debt due to mature this year, the prospectus said.

Investors lodged USD 3.4 billion worth of a bids for the shortest dated dollar bond, USD 5.8 billion for the 5.5-year deal and USD 8.5 billion for the 10-year bond, they said.

Airport Authority Hong Kong confirmed the deals in a statement on Thursday.

More than USD 13 billion has been raised in dollars in Asia so far this year, according to LSEG data.

Dealmakers expect about a 20% rise in dollar issuance across the region in 2025, as lower U.S. interest rates since late last year make dollar bonds more attractive to issuers. (Source: Reuters)

 

Vietjet has on an expansion spree with new routes and aircraft inductions.

Vietjet expands fleet with new 111th Airbus A321neo ACF

Vietjet welcomed its 111th aircraft, an advanced Airbus A321neo ACF, to its modern fleet at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

With its innovative technology, the A321neo ACF reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20% while reducing noise levels by 50%.

As part of its expansion strategy, Vietjet will receive three additional new aircraft in December and plans to wet-lease 6–10 aircraft to meet peak travel demand during the Lunar New Year holiday. These additions will enable Vietjet to enhance its services for both domestic and international travellers.

In 2024, Vietjet has achieved remarkable growth, expanding its vibrant, modern fleet to serve its global flight network connecting Vietnam to more destinations worldwide. These fleet upgrades reinforce Vietjet’s position as a leader in providing safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly travel experiences.

Further, the airline is offering an exciting one-day promotion on December 12, 2024, from 00:00 to 23:59 (GMT+7). Travelers from India to Vietnam can book tickets for as low as INR 11, plus taxes and fees, subject to availability. The travel period for this offer extends from January 1, 2025, to October 25, 2025. Customers can use the promo code VJ12 to take advantage of this incredible deal.

With continued fleet enhancements and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Vietjet is making global travel more accessible and enjoyable than ever. The airline expanded its global presence with a network of 155 routes, including 43 domestic and 112 international routes across Asia and Australia.

Disney will customise its cruise ship for Asia sailings.

Bookings for Disney Adventure to open on December 10

Disney Cruise Line has opened bookings for Disney Adventure, its first ship to home port in Asia. Disney Adventure will set sail from Singapore on her maiden voyage on December 15, 2025.

Guests will be able to book directly from the Disney Cruise Line website, through contact centre, or with their preferred travel agents on December 10, 2024, from 8.00am Singapore time for sail dates through March 2026.

Sailing on primarily three- and four-night voyages designed with only dedicated days at sea, guests will be immersed in experiences that bring to life the fantastical worlds and beloved characters at the heart of Disney, Pixar and Marvel.

On the Disney Adventure, this magic will come alive through seven uniquely themed areas: Disney Imagination Garden, Toy Story Place, San Fransokyo Street, Town Square, Wayfinder Bay, Disney Discovery Reef and Marvel Landing. The Disney Adventure will also feature many “firsts” for the fleet, as well as experiences specially created for guests in Asia to enjoy.

RCI appoints Lucas Ramos as Senior Director, Travel & Membership – Asia, Pacific & India

RCI has appointed Lucas Ramos as Senior Director, Travel & Membership – Asia, Pacific & India, effective immediately.

Based in Australia, Ramos will oversee operations and drive strategic growth initiatives across the region for RCI.

In his new role, Ramos will leverage his expertise to enhance operational efficiency, financial performance, and strategic development for RCI and its affiliated brands, including 7Across and @Work International, all part of the Travel + Leisure Co. portfolio. Known for his strong foundation in finance and analytics, Ramos excels in data-driven decision-making, enabling sustained business growth and delivering exceptional value to members and affiliates.

With over 16 years of experience, Ramos previously led 7Across and spent a decade at Mantra Group, where he successfully repositioned the brand and streamlined business functions, focusing on both efficiency and impactful member service.

“I am elated to join RCI and lead the Asia, Pacific & India region,” Lucas Ramos. “This is an incredibly dynamic and thriving market with significant opportunities for growth. I look forward to working closely with the talented RCI team to further strengthen our leadership position and deliver exceptional experiences to our members and affiliates.” said Lucas Ramos, Senior Director, Travel & Membership – Asia, Pacific & India.