Safe And Unsafe Airlines

AEROFLOT OR ANY RUSSIAN AIRLINE

Russian airlines lead the world in crashes and fatalities. The only air disasters in the past ten years that stole the headlines from missing Malaysian Air flights were catastrophic Russian crashes which wiped out the Polish government, a hockey team, and hundreds of vacationers to Egypt.

Aeroflot is Russia’s flag carrier, and it has an ominous record as the airline with the most crashes in the world.

Today Aeroflot is modern and safe and hasn’t had a major incident since 2008, but the list of other Russian airlines, including S7 and Siberian Air and Nordstar, with huge crashes, is too hard to ignore. If you’re flying in or out of Russia, take Finnair.

AIR NEW ZEALAND

Air New Zealand was rated as the safest airline in the world by Skytrax for 2017, the third year in a row they won this prestigious, and important, award.

This is New Zealand’s flag carrier and they have flights to destinations mostly in Asia, but also to the UK, US, Australia, and Canada. The only incident they’ve had is when a flight carrying pilots, technicians, and a safety inspector crashed into the ocean in 2008.

Otherwise, Air New Zealand has never lost a civilian passenger, joining the ranks of Air Canada for the safest airline. With fewer accidents, crashes, and deaths than any other airline, rest easy when you’re traveling on Air New Zealand!

PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES

Pakistan's flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines, is one of the most messed-up airlines in the world. The airline has a near-zero rating fromairlinereviews.com and is in the top 10 least safe airlines in the Skytrax annual review.

The airline has suffered many crashes resulting in fatalities every single year since they were founded in 1947, and when they’re not crashing or blowing up mid-air, they have a long list of minor accidents caused by pilot negligence and lack of ground maintenance.

FINNAIR

Finland’s largest airline and flag carrier has an impeccable safety record.They haven’t had a fatality since 1963, and have had few mishaps and accidents than any other airline in the world since then.

There were a couple of hijackings and attempts at bombing a Finnair airline, but these were all dealt with efficiently by authorities and passengers and crew were unharmed.

Finnair keeps a fleet of modern, well-maintained aircraft crewed by excellent pilots and professional flight attendants. If you’re flying anywhere in Europe, you can’t go wrong with Finnair.

MALAYSIAN AIRLINES

Malaysian Airlines has had a bad decade. Several large airline disasters have captured the world’s media attention, including the disappearance of Flight 370 in 2014.

What seems like such a shock to the world was no surprise to airline safety agencies and industry watchdogs, such as airlinereviews.com. Malaysian Airlines has a history of minor crashes, unsafe maintenance, corporate corruption and half-trained pilots and aircrew.

When several planes went down more recently, it was a culmination of a bad corporate culture that resulted in one of the most unsafe airlines in the world.

BRITISH AIRWAYS

British Airways was founded in 1974 by a government commission and has since grown to become the largest carrier in the UK. British Airways is one of the safest airlines in the world and hasn’t lost a passenger since 1976 when Flight 476 collided with another aircraft on takeoff, hurting 63 people on board.

This is the only time British Airways has had fatalities. Their pilots and crew are top-notch, and thanks to their fantastic skills several notable disasters have been avoided, like when Flight 900 flew through a volcanic ash cloud and the pilots glided the aircraft to a safe landing.

Qr the time a windshield blew out and the pilot was sucked out of the aircraft, but hung on while the co-pilot landed the plane safely. Nobody was hurt.

AIR INDIA

Air India is an Indian government owned airline founded in 1932. It has a dubious safety record, with a habit of exploding in mid-air.

Thankfully modern security screening has drastically reduced airline bombings around the world, but that doesn’t stop things like Air India flights randomly catching fire, or skidding off the runway, or simply driving into parked airplanes at the terminal loading docks.

Skytrax rates Air India as one of the least safe airlines due to a lot of negligence-caused accidents on the part of pilots, aircrew, and ground maintenance.

AIR CANADA

Air Canada has a proud and long history as one of the safest airlines in the world. Canada’s flag carrier was founded in 1937 and has never had a single fatality in all that time. They have flights to 207 cities around the world, making them one of the top 10 largest airlines and one of the top five oldest.

They’ve had the odd mishap, like in 2017 when the pilot accidentally turned off his radio while coming into San Francisco International Airport and landed on a runway full of taxiing airplanes.

This was the most serious incident in the airlines, history, and nobody was hurt. The pilot was suspended and the airline launched a full investigation. Air Canada flights are modern, well-maintained, and professional.

THAI AIRWAYS

Thailand’s national carrier has had a tough run as a world-class airline. They try really, really hard to be safe, but bad things just keep happening. In 2001 an entire wing blew up thanks to a fuel leak, resulting in one death on board.

In 2009 a flight crash-landed on a runway, while another plane dove into a rice paddy in 1998, killing everyone on board. For the most part, Thai Airways is safe, as they’ve had very few fatalities.

It’s just that things keep blowing up or falling off their airplanes, which shows a lack of maintenance and, as is usually the case with airlines from the developing world, corporate corruption which stops new parts and aircraft from reaching the fleet.

CATHAY PACIFIC

Cathay Pacific was one of the most luxurious airlines in the world at one point, winning the coveted “best airline” year after year. It has since fallen from the top spot, replaced by newcomers such as Qatar Airlines and Emirates.

Cathay Pacific still holds on to its stellar safety record, however. Hong Kong’s flag carrier reaches destinations around the world, and its last disaster was in 1972 when a bomb took down a flight, which can’t really be held against the company.

Their airplanes are known to be well-maintained and crewed by professionals, and their customer service is the best in all of Asia!

JETSTAR PACIFIC

Jetstar Pacific is a budget-airline out of Vietnam. Officially called Jetstar Pacific Airlies Joint Stock Aviation Company, this airline is near the bottom of Skytrax’s annual airline safety list.

According to aeroinside.com, which tracks airline incidents, Jetstar Pacific has had numerous safety incidents including tail strikes on takeoff, when the plane rotates the nose up to takeoff, the pilot is supposed to lift the plane off the ground or the tail will smash into the runway, known as a tail strike.

Other reports include landing gear malfunctions, noxious fumes in the cabin, and failure to pass a safety inspection at an Australian airport.

LUFTHANSA

Lufthansa was founded in the 1920s and then regrown after World War II and is one of the largest airlines in the world today. You can catch a Lufthansa flight to pretty much anywhere in Europe, and rest confident that you’ll actually get there alive. The airline isn’t without incidents, however.

Between 1959 and 1993, Lufthansa had several major accidents resulting in fatalities. The past 25 years have been very safe, with no fatalities and very few accidents. Although they are expensive, you’re getting what you pay for when you choose to fly with Lufthansa.

EGYPTAIR

Egyptair is Egypt’s national airline, with flights to nearly a hundred countries around the world. It’s also rated by Skytrax as one of the ten least safe airlines.

Even if you discount the company’s disasters, such as Flight 804 flying into the Mediterranean in 2016, or Flight 990 flying head-first into the Atlantic in the 90s, you still have an airline with a long history of mishaps.

In 2016 a plan caught fire while sitting on the runway. Another’s engine fell off during takeoff. There have been multiple hijackings of Egyptair flights in recent years, which makes for an uncomfortable vacation.

EMIRATES

Emirates has a decent safety record. They’ve never had a fatality on any of their flights, although they have had several mishaps on takeoff and landing.In 2004, and again in 2009, Emirates flights ran out of runway and plowed through landing lights and fences.

Nobody was hurt, but come on, really?In both cases, the investigators blamed the pilots for not lifting off and blamed Emirates for not giving the pilots enough rest between flights.

The odds of such an exciting start to your travels are rare, so instead sit back and enjoy Emirates world-famous comfort and service.

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

Philippine Airlines is the flag carrier of The Philippines and is also one of the safest Filipino-operated airlines.Unfortunately, they aren’t the safest in the world, with a string of accidents, most of them minor.

Philippine Airlines flights have also been targeted by terrorists in the past, with al-Qaeda blowing up an airliner in 2007, and local extremists knocking down local propeller-driven craft now and again.

For the most part, you’ll survive your flight with these guys, but they still remain accident prone. Engines seize up mid-flight, landing gear doesn’t retract, planes fall off the runway, minor stuff.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Asian-based airlines seem to have a fantastic safety record. Eva, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines are all represented in the top 10 safest airlines in the world.Singapore Airlines isn’t without incidents, however.

In 1991 Pakistani militants hijacked Flight 117, until Singapore Special Forces stormed the aircraft and freed all the passengers while dispatching all the terrorists.

In 2000, Flight 006 took off from the wrong runway in Taiwan and crashed into some construction equipment, and 86 people lost their lives. There haven’t been any other fatalities in the airline's history and they’ve had an accident-free 18 years!

CHINA AIR

China Airlines is the largest air carrier in China and is partially government owned. If you’re heading to China, chances are you’ll end up booked on a China Air flight.

They fly to more than a hundred cities around the world, and is considered the 10th largest airline in the world! China Air also has one of the worst safety records of all the major airlines, with more than 30 catastrophic crashes and hundreds of minor accidents.

Most of their pilots are well-trained and come from a military background, but it seems that the aircraft themselves are not well maintained, and the company tends to skimp on spending the money necessary to keep their fleet safe.

EVA AIR

Eva Air is a Taiwanese airline launched in 1989. They have one of the best safety records of all the Asian airlines, and to date has not had a single aircraft incident or passenger fatality.If you’re flying Eva Air you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

I’ve never flown Eva, but passenger reviews online tell a story of friendly, professional treatment, comfortable flights and average food.If you’re heading anywhere in Asia, try Eva Air. At the very least you’ll get there alive.

CUBANA

Cubana Airlines is considered one of the most accident-prone airlines in the world, with an accident rating 60 times higher than British Airways! Cubana is Cuba’s national airline, wholly owned by the Communist government.

It was founded in 1930 as a subsidiary of Pan-Am Airlines, but after Castro’s takeover, it was nationalized. Today it is known as Crashbana by Cubans and Mexicans.

In 2018 it had a catastrophic crash with 107 fatalities, which came only a year after another crash, which was eight months after another crash. If you must go to Cuba, fly on Air Canada.

JAPAN AIRLINES

Japan Airlines is one of the safest airlines in the world, having only one catastrophic accident in its history. That was when Flight 123 flew face-first into a mountain back in 1985, taking 520 passengers with it.

The company has since fired all of its kamikaze pilots and passengers can expect a relatively comfortable flight. I’ve flown JAL several times and was once even upgraded to first class, the only time in my traveling career, so I have a soft spot for them.

According to airlinerratings.com, JAL has a 7.2 out of 10 rating, making them one of the top 10 safest in the world!


Tourism Observer

THAILAND: Thailand The Land Of Smiles For All, Fights Sex Tourism

At Bangkok’s main Suvarnabhumi airport, a video repeats scenes of tourists visiting Thailand’s sunny beaches and its vibrant nightlife, but at the end comes a warning.

Human trafficking and slavery are against the law in Thailand. Perpetrators will be severely punished, it says, followed by a hotline number for people to report cases.

From airports to shopping malls, Thailand is ramping up a campaign targeting tourists in its latest effort to keep the country free from human trafficking, as officials eye better international ratings.

The nation is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best tourists destinations.

Government data showed Thailand welcomed a record 35 million visitors in 2017, and forecast it to rise to 37.6 million this year.

But it has also come under the international spotlight in recent years over what rights groups describe as widespread human trafficking, including women forced into selling sex and fishermen trapped in conditions akin to modern slavery.

The US State Department last year left Thailand on a Tier 2 Watch list, just above the lowest ranking of Tier 3 – in its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, saying it had not done enough to tackle human smuggling and trafficking.

Eyeing a better ranking, the government has vowed a clean-up. In recent months, it partnered with airlines and charities to warn visitors against involvement in trafficking, while urging them to spot and report potential cases.

Every effort is important, Weerachon Sukhontapatipak, a Thai government spokesman said.

We are doing our best, he said.

Therefore we hope the situation in Thailand will be better, and it will be recognised by the international community.

A growing number of countries around the world are turning to the tourism sector to help combat human trafficking, including training frontline hotel and airline staff to spot the signs.

There has also been a rise of advocacy tourism, where holidaymakers sign up travel packages to learn about issues like modern slavery.

At Thai airports, banners greet visitors with warnings that human trafficking could destroy the country. A video flashes the message: Keep Thailand the Land of Smiles for all.

The government has also enlisted Thai Airways to show anti-trafficking in-flight videos on its international routes since February, said Nuttavika Tamthai, a spokeswoman for the national carrier.

In shopping centre, cinemas and train stations across the capital, Bangkok, videos show visitors how to look out for signs of human trafficking.

Some highlight sex exploitation, while another shows a child begging under a separate campaign called Can You See Me?.

This is a step in the right direction, said Malina Enlund from the anti-trafficking group A21, which has partnered with Thai authorities on the campaign since mid-2017.

The Thai government alone cannot solve the problem. We need the hotel groups, we need the tourists, we need everybody who can to join in, Enlund said.

The Australia-based group is training hotel staff in Thailand’s seaside resort of Pattaya,a hotspot for sex tourism – on how to spot trafficking signs.

The Thai tourism body said in March that Thailand is aiming to move forward as a quality destination and it strongly opposed any form of sex tourism.

An estimated 425,500 people live in conditions of modern slavery in Thailand, according to the Global Slavery Index 2016 by charity Walk Free Foundation, including migrant workers from Cambodia and Laos and women exploited in the sex industry.


Tourism Observer

THAILAND: Thai Airways Grounds 4 Of 6 Boeing 787s Due To Engine Repair Problems

Thai Airways is grounding some of its Boeing 787-8s due to delays in repairing engine problems that have been affecting other operators of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.

The carrier has not specified how long the aircraft will be parked, but stated the engine spare parts issues will be “alleviated” in August, with a return to normal in September.

Local media has reported that four of the airline’s six 787s have been grounded.

Other operators of 787s with the Trent 1000 engines are also having to replace engines or engine parts due to concerns about turbine blades.

The problem first arose with All Nippon Airways last year.

Thai Airways noted the problem may affect flight safety, so it removed engines from its 787s and sent them for repair at the Rolls-Royce technical maintenance center in Singapore.

Due to the large and increasing amount of engines that experienced problems worldwide, Rolls-Royce is unable to complete repair work in the established time frame, said Thai.

The carrier said it has arranged for other aircraft to fly the routes usually operated by the 787s, so there should be no impact on passenger service.

Thai said it has also negotiated with Rolls-Royce to provide compensation for expenses incurred as a result of this situation, although it has not specified an amount.

While the carrier has no more 787-8s on order, it is due to receive two of the -9 variant later this year.

Thai also operates Airbus A350s. An airline executive recently told Aviation Daily that 787-9s and A350s are contenders for another order for 17 widebody aircraft the carrier is considering.


Tourism Observer
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THAILAND: Thai Airways To Buy 30 Planes

Thai Airways International said it plans to modernise its fleet by replacing almost 30 older aircraft over the next five years, adding to the climbing demand for planes in Asia.

The state-run airline is seeking new generation aircraft offering greater comfort and fuel efficiency, and is talking with both Airbus and Boeing, chairman Areepong Bhoocha-Oom said.

The portfolio of our airline will have new aircraft almost 100%, Areepong said. It’s the right step for Thai Airways partly because fuel costs could be volatile in future even though they are low currently, he said.

Thai Airways’ purchases would add to the hundreds of aircraft worth billions of dollars ordered by Asian airlines, such as AirAsia and IndiGo in India, amid a surge in the number of people travelling by air in the region.

Boeing forecasts a $6.05tn jetliner market in the next two decades globally.

The Bangkok-based carrier is trying to turn around performance after posting losses in three of the past four years.

The company’s shares fell 6.1% yesterday, the most in almost two months, and are down 75% from a high in 1999. The stock has eight sell recommendations, nine holds and one buy rating.

Concerns that the aircraft purchases could weigh on Thai Airways’ financial health appear to have hurt the stock yesterday, according to Siam Tiyanont, an analyst at Phillip Securities (Thailand) Co in Bangkok.

The airline’s financial status has recently improved after years of challenges, Siam said. The plan for new aircraft purchases may be too early and could result in a jump in debt.

Thai Airways presently has a 100-strong fleet and will seek Cabinet approval for the plane replacement plan by the end of July, Areepong said in the interview Thursday on the sidelines of a conference in Bangkok.

Airbus’s A380 superjumbos will remain a significant part of the company’s fleet, while older Boeing 747s will be replaced in the years ahead, he added.

An overhaul of marketing and reservation contributed to record passenger cabin factor of about 85% in the first quarter and the full-year target is 80%, Areepong said.

The airline’s goal is to exceed last year’s net income, Areepong said. Thai Airways swung to a profit of 15.1mn baht ($445,000) in 2016. It lost money in each of the three prior years.

The airline needs new airplanes to modernise its fleet and boost competitiveness, said Raenoo Bhandasukdi, an analyst at KT Zmico Securities Co in Bangkok.

Thai Airways is expected to bolster profits this year, which would be a good outcome given that some other full-service carriers have struggled against competition from low-cost rivals, Raenoo said.

The carrier signed an agreement with Airbus in March to explore joint development of a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at U-Tapao International Airport near the tourist destination of Pattaya.

The project could involve about $1bn investment and the plans may be finalised in 2018, Areepong said at the conference in Bangkok on Thursday.

THAILAND: Thai Airways International Successfully Recertified By ICAO

Thailand's flag carrier, Thai Airways International has been successfully recertified to the international safety standards of ICAO.

Thai Airways is the third of Thailand’s international airlines to receive its AOC recertification as part of CAAT’s recertification programme, in partnership with CAA International (CAAi), the advisory arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA).

Dr Chula Sukmanop, Director General of CAAT said, “Thai Airways has long been regarded as the national carrier.

The success today should have a significant impact, not only on the company itself but also in the overall confidence of passengers who plan to visit Thailand with Thai carriers.”

CAAi was appointed by CAAT in 2016 to provide full-scale technical assistance, and capacity building in the recertification of all Thai registered international airlines and to support CAAT ahead of its next ICAO audit.

Maria Rueda, Managing Director of CAAi said, “This is another major milestone for CAAT, the Thai aviation and tourism industry.

Thai Airways is Thailand’s largest airline, serving 80 destinations in 37 countries. We are delighted to have assisted CAAT in recertifying its flag carrier to ICAO standards, and we remain fully committed to supporting CAAT as we enter the next phase of this significant project”.

Thailand is expected to be audited by ICAO later this year to address the Significant Safety Concern (SSC) finding in 2015. CAAi will be providing audit preparation assistance to CAAT to help resolve the SSC.

Through a combination of on and off-site assistance, CAAi will work with CAAT to raise Thailand’s level of effective implementation across all of ICAO’s eight “critical elements”, with the initial focus on the SSC and related areas, ensuring CAAT are in the strongest position for its next ICAO audit

MYANMAR: Myanmar Launches e-visa At Three Land Borders

EFFECTIVE from September 1, foreigners with e-visa can be used to enter and exit through three land border checkpoints between Myanmar and Thailand, the ministry of immigration and population announced officially.

Under the agreement between the two countries, Myanmar and Thailand citizens as well as third country citizens with holding valid passport and e-visa will be permitted to enter and depart from Myanmar through Tachileik-Maisai, Myawaddy-Mesok, and Kawthoung-Ranong land border checkpoints.

Previously, the holders of e-Visa were not able to enter Myanmar at the border checkpoints. Those with e-Visa are only allowed to enter Myanmar at International Airport in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw.

The permit of stay, extension of stay and the visa fees, the rules and regulation remain the same and is applicable to both tourist and business e-visa types.

International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private lending arm of the World Bank, has provided to extend a debt of $13.5 million to United International Group’s hotel business in Myanmar.

The loan will be used for expanding the company’s existing operations, such as building of a new 114-room hotel in Bagan, and a 110-room hotel and 20 villas in Nyaung Shwe, for an estimated total cost of $29 million.

IFC plans to give the loan in two phrases. The first will be for $8.5 million and the rest $5 million, IFC said in a filing.

United International Group, also known as Amata Hotel Group currently operate three resorts, Amata Ngapali Beach Resort in Thandwe, Amata Garden Resort in Nyaungshwe, Hsipaw Resport in Northerthern Shan State, Amata Boutique House in Bagan and Oriental Ballooning that operates in Bagan, Mandalay, Inle, Pindaya and Ngapali.

The loan is expected to add on the development of the company’s expansion while benefitting the tourism sector by adding quality accommodation in key tourism areas, the IFC statement said. Locally sourced materials are likely to be used for the project.

In addition, IFC will continue provide long-term financing, sharing of global industry knowledge and expertise, help improve the environmental and social standards of the company and support the expansion of a local hotel chain.

As part of its Asia focus, IFC has pledged to invest $200 million in Emerging Asia Fund, which IFC will look at equity opportunities in the continent.

CITIZENS from Myanmar and Mongolia will be able to travel freely between the two countries when a visa exemption agreement signed yesterday comes into effect.

The foreign affairs ministers of both countries discussed the agreement in Nay Pyi Taw on June 15 and signed a memorandum of understanding, President’s Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay told reporters yesterday.

He spoke at a press conference after a meeting between President U Htin Kyaw and Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj. During his visit to Myanmar on June 15, Mr Elbegdorj invited State Counsellor and Foreign Affairs Minister Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to Mongolia.

MYANMAR'S Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has, from July 1, launched an online registration portal (http://elicence.tourism.gov.mm) to facilitate permit applications and renewals for the travel and hospitality industry.

At present, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism issues four kinds of licences: a hotel licence costs between 200,000 kyat (US$170) and 1.9 million kyat, based on the number of rooms; a tour company licence costs 400,000 kyat; a tour guide licence costs 50,000 kyat; and a licence to provide transportation for tourists costs between 50,000 kyat and 500,000 kyat, depending on the vehicle type.

Licence holders must renew every two years, according to the ministry's Directorate of Hotels and Tourism.

Meanwhile, the ministry revealed that information cards for tourists will be rolled out soon, as the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is currently negotiating with Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications, and telco operators Ooredoo, Telenor and Viettel to provide the system electronically.

These cards will provide visitors with data about Myanmar’s tourism industry such as airline schedules, bus and transportation options, restaurants plus other travel advices.

ONE more Thai airline, the Thai Lion Air (TLA), is planning to fly between Bangkok and Yangon starting from July 22.

The low-cost airline is one of the subsidiaries of Indonesia's Lion Air group which registered in Thailand.

TLA will operate twice daily from Bangkok to Yangon, offering free 30 kg checked-in baggage and free 15 kg of sport equipment to every passenger.

Currently, there are five airlines flying to Myanmar from Thailand, which are Thai Airways, Thai Smile, Bangkok Airways, NOK Air and Air Asia.

Myanmar airlines flying Bangkok are Myanmar National Airlines and Myanmar Airways International with daily flights.

Meanwhile, a Netherlandish airline, the Royal Dutch KLM, will also fly Yangon soon, according to an aviation agreement signed between Myanmar and the Netherlands on Monday.

There are now 25 international airlines flying Myanmar in addition to 10 domestic airlines, media reports said.

Two airlines will begin routes from Bangkok to Mandalay next month, as Myanmar’s tourism industry continues to expand.

Flag-carrier Myanmar National Airways (MNA) and Myanmar Airways International (MAI) will operate flights from the Mandalay to Thailand’s capital.

MNA will offer three flights a week from August 31, and a day earlier MAI will do the same. For MNA, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, its usual flight from Yangon to Bangkok will also stop at Mandalay.

MAI will fly Mandalay-Bangkok direct on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The two airlines are also planning to add other international routes to their flights.

Reports say that MNA is planning to open flights to Shang- hai and Chengdu in China while MAI has reportedly applied to fly directly to Kolkata in India.

Myanmar National Airlines was one of two carriers to launch flights between Mandalay and Bangkok on August 31.

The airline will operate thrice weekly flights on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with 737-800s.

The route is is also served by Bangkok Airways as daily flights and and Myanmar Airways International as thrice-weekly flights.

Myanmar National Airlines also serves Bangkok from Yangon. The airline’s three remaining international routes are from Yangon to Hong Kong, Singapore and Vientiane.

BOUTIQUE cruise operator Burma Boating has added four new yachts to its fleet, including new flagship the Clan VI, bringing total boat count to 10.

The 40m-long Clan VI will cruise Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago, offering both scheduled itineraries and private charters, starting October. The yacht can accommodate groups of up to 10.

Between November 2016 and May 2017, Clan VI will sail seven-night cruises from Kawthaung in Myanmar's south to the historic port town of Myeik, crossing the entire Mergui Archipelago.

The 800 mostly-uninhabited islands had been off-limits to foreigners since Myanmar's independence and only opened to tourism recently. It remains one of the planet's most unspoilt destinations. There are currently no hotels operating in the area.

Burma Boating also announced a new scheduled cruise from Thailand to India's Andaman Islands. The 12-night trip will operate between February and late April next year.

Meliá Hotels International has opened the Meliá Yangon, the first hotel operated by the brand in the country and a strategic project for its expansion strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.

Yangon is the country's largest city and remains the biggest commercial center and main transit hub of the country, as well as home to historical colonial buildings and landscape. The hotel is located on Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd., a short distance to the city center as well as to Yangon International Airport and the Shwedagon Pagoda. The city’s shopping mall, Myanmar Plaza, is adjacent to the hotel.

Overlooking the Inya Lake, the hotel provides 430 modern rooms furnished with state-of-the-art amenities. Exclusive privileges are available on The Level, the brand’s signature executive floor, such as access to The Level Lounge on the top floor with 360-degrees views of the city and Inya Lake.

The property’s three high-end restaurants include The Market, an all-day dining restaurant in an authentic open market setting; The Lantern, serving reinterpreted classics; and in a few weeks, Olea restaurant will open and offer European cuisine. At the end of the year, the hotel will introduce a Hollywood golden age atmosphere in the Garbo Bar, named after the actress Greta Garbo.

An on-site convention area provides various sizes of ballrooms and function rooms equipped with the latest technology for events. The hotel’s facilities also includes an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a soon-to-open YHI spa.

According to the Customs Department, Yangon’s duty-fee custom stores earned over Ks100m (US$87,000) from passengers entering Yangon International Airport (YIA) during May.

Duty-free customs is up in May this year by Ks30m (US$25,000) compared to this time last year. Ks70m (US$58,000) was received from duty-free in May 2015.

According to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar has been a record increase of tourists and domestic travellers since opening up to the world in 2011.

International arrivals have increased from 816,319 in 2011 to 4,861,020 in 2015.

MALAYSIA: AirAsia has been named the World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline

AirAsia has been named the World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fourth year in a row and its maiden title as the World's Leading Inflight Service at the 23rd World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final held in Male, Maldives.

Asia's largest low-cost carrier beat contenders from five continents to secure the award, including Ryanair, easyJet, Jetstar Airways, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Norwegian, Kulula, Mango, fastjet, flydubai, Air Arabia, flynas and West Air. "What a thrill to win World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fourth straight year.

It's a great honour to round out what has been a great year for AirAsia, not just financially but in terms of recognition from the industry," Group Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said today. AirAsia also won the World's Leading Inflight Service title for the first time ever, beating full-service carriers Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Qantas Airways, Lufthansa, American Airlines and Air Canada.

The win builds on AirAsia's success earlier this year when it secured Asia's Leading Inflight Service award from WTA for the first time. "I’m also super proud of our first World’s Leading Inflight Service award. I've always said we have amazing crew and amazing inflight products, and we've proven it by beating not one, not two, not three, but eight full-service carriers for the prize," he said in a statement.

He said there are more to come for AirAsia as the airline is always working on more innovations, and not just for inflight. "Right now, we are exploring ways to make the airport experience better. One thing we're looking at is fast-tracking guests who share their travel profile with immigration authorities.

We expect to run the trial at selected airports in Asean in the not-too-distant future, so keep an eye out for it," he said. The WTA serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the travel and tourism industry, as chosen by thousands of travel professionals and high-end tourism consumers.

Airlines are judged on customer satisfaction and service quality, overall business performance, product innovation, staff relations and development, corporate social responsibility and contribution to local community, commitment to sustainable policies and fulfillment of long-term corporate vision. AirAsia is Asia's leading low-cost carrier, with an extensive network of more than 120 destinations in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East and Africa.

It is also the only airline to fly direct to all 10 Asean countries, including some 60 unique routes in the region. AirAsia was also named World's Best Low-Cost Airline for the eighth year in a row at the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards in July. --Bernama

SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines Gets First Airbus A350-900, To Fly To Amsterdam

After a near ten-year wait, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, which CEO Goh Choon Phong said would be a "game changer" for the flag-carrier.

The latest addition to the fleet was received with a water-cannon salute at Changi Airport in Singapore, after a long journey from the Airbus delivery center in Toulouse, France.

"The addition of the A350-900 exemplifies Singapore Airlines' longstanding commitment to operate a young and modern fleet," Goh said.

"The A350 will be a game-changer for us, allowing for flights to more long-haul destinations on a non-stop basis, which will help us boost our network competitiveness and further develop the important Singapore hub."

Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, was a guest of honor for the arrival of the new aircraft.

The delivery marks the first step in the airline's major overhaul of its current fleet in the medium to long-haul range, in a bid to maintain its position as the standard-setting full service carrier in Asia.

The aircraft will be operated on Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur flights on a temporary basis while crew are trained on it, before being put to work on 13-hour flights to Amsterdam from May 9.

Singapore Airlines also plans to use the aircraft to add services to Dusseldorf, Germany, from July.

The airline will offer business, premium economy and economy class seats on the flights, as well as what Singapore Airlines' SVP for Marketing Planning Lee Wen Fen described as the world's most advanced in-flight entertainment system.

The carrier said the addition to its fleet would offer customers an improved travel experience, with new features including higher ceilings, larger windows and special ambient LED lighting that is designed to reduce jetlag and project "special effects" onto the ceiling of the plane.

Geoffrey Thomas said the A350 gave Singapore Airlines a big advantage over other regional carriers because it allowed it to compete with airlines that had the Boeing 787.

"The A350 is slightly larger than the 787 and is a true Boeing 777-200 replacement," he said.

"The A350 is a major leap forward over the Boeing 777 in economics and passenger comfort thanks to its composite structure and new technology engines."

Airbus claims the A350 has 25 percent better fuel consumption than its current aluminum long-range competitors, and that despite being 68 times more powerful than a F1 racing car, it's also one of the quietest in its class.

According to Singapore Airlines, the first batch of A350-900s for long-haul flights will seat 253 passengers across the three classes of seating.

Singapore Airlines is Airbus's biggest customer for the A350-900, having placed its first order for the aircraft in July 2006.
It now has 67 A350s on firm order, including seven of an ultra-long-range model that will be delivered in 2018 for use on non-stop services between Singapore and the U.S.

Singapore Airlines expects to take delivery of 11 A350-900s in the aircraft's first year of operation and has the option to purchase 20 additional A350s.

AirAsia X, Air China, Asiana Airlines, Japan Airlines, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines have also placed orders for the aircraft, while Asian rival Cathay Pacific is set to receive its first A350 "in the coming months" according to reports.

"The Asian market is extremely competitive with China emerging as a big threat to traditional dominant players such as Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways," Thomas said.

"There is also long haul competition from the Middle East giants. Plus, recently old players such as U.S.-based United Airlines are dramatically up-gauging their product with 787s and offering new non-stops such as San Francisco to Singapore from June 1."

Collapsing oil prices and subsequent lower fuel expenses are providing a tailwind for the airline industry, and Singapore Airlines has also seen decent growth within its affiliate airlines, SilkAir and Scoot.

The company posted a 36 percent increase in third-quarter net profit to S$275 million ($197.4 million) in February, achieved mainly through lower fuel expenses and gains from the disposal of aircraft, however the profit gain was partially offset by almost S$150 million in losses due to hedging and currency fluctuations.

While other carriers have delayed the retirement of older aircraft and remain cautious on the demand outlook at a time of weak global economic growth, Goh said he was confident the efficiency of the new aircraft would enable Singapore Airlines to introduce more new destinations.

INDIA: Sidharth Unveils New Zealand Highlights In India

A video showcasing the highlights of tourism ambassador Sidharth Malhotra’s visit to New Zealand has been unveiled in India in the run-up to the launch of the country’s 100% Pure New Zealand campaign this month.

There was strong interest in the Tourism New Zealand-led media event in Mumbai with about sixty journalists including entertainment, travel and lifestyle media attending. The Bollywood star talked about his action-packed visit to New Zealand in October 2015 and said he was amazed and humbled by the reception he received.

The highlights video shows Sidharth indulging in his favourite events, including his Skywalk in Auckland, meeting the Prime Minister, hot air ballooning in Queenstown and his visit to Tane Mahuta in Northland.

The media also got their first look of the 100% Pure New Zealand campaign which launches in India, 10 February.

Recounting the best bits of his Kiwi trip, Sidharth told the media: “I was amazed and humbled by the warm hospitality showered on me. I experienced adrenalin at every point of my journey, be it when I was diving into the sea or when I was learning to do the haka. I had many firsts during this trip including my first skydive and a cultural experience such as visiting Tane Mahuta. It’s my privilege to be brand ambassador for Tourism New Zealand and I believe it will strengthen the two countries bond in 2016.”

Steven Dixon, Tourism New Zealand’s Regional Manager for South and South East Asia joined Sidharth for the media event. He said: “We are extremely thrilled to have Sidharth on board as part of the Tourism New Zealand family and are pleased to know that his New Zealand trip has created great conversations about the destination not just in India but in New Zealand as well. Our country experienced the impact of Bollywood when Sidharth was surrounded by fans everywhere he went. He was enthusiastic and eager to explore New Zealand’s offerings, immersing himself in adventure, wine and food and Maori culture.”

Research carried out since Sidharth’s visit show the choice of the Bollywood star as our ambassador to India is proving a huge success, driving strong interest among Indians considering a New Zealand holiday.

During his eight-day visit here, 2.8 million people engaged with Sidharth via social media, including 57,000 people engaging with each of his Facebook posts. Coverage of his visit and following has generated media coverage valued at $4.5m.

India is an important emerging market for New Zealand. Latest international arrival figures show 22,224 Indian visitors came here for a holiday in 2015, up 28.6 per cent on 2014.

Tourism New Zealand’s brand campaign in India will be followed by campaign work with airline partners like Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways and selected trade partners.

THAILAND: AirAsia To Launch Flights To Luang Prabang

AirAsia's Thailand affiliate will launch flights to Luang Prabang in Laos from next month.

Thai AirAsia will begin the one-hour flights from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport to Luang Prabang from March 24.

The carrier will be the first no frills operator to serve Luang Prabang.

"Luang Prabang has many distinct travel features. This latest route also creates new investment opportunities. We are confident that as a friendly destination, Luang Prabang will quickly grow to be a popular place to visit for both Thai and international travellers," said Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia.

Bijleveld said the airline had long coveted the route.

"It's been a long time coming, eight years since asking Laos for the rights to operate flights there."

Although the route is already served by Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia is targeting at least 80% load factor.

It has launched a special introductory fare of THB990 for travel through February 2017, and regular fares will be around THB2,000, which the airline says is about half what the two full-service airlines currently charge on the route.

THAILAND: Aviation Safety, Federal Aviation Administration Bans Thai Flights

Fliers heading to Thailand may have fresh cause for concern after the country's airlines were hit with restrictions by U.S. aviation authorities.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Tuesday that it was downgrading Thailand's aviation safety rating to Category 2 because the country did not comply with international standards.

The decision means Thai airlines will be banned from opening new routes to the United States or expanding existing ones.

While none currently operate direct routes to the U.S., the FAA's downgrades are often matched by other global aviation authorities, raising the prospect of restrictions on routes to Europe or East Asia.

Shares in several Thai airlines fell following the news.

In stripping it of the Category 1 rating it received in 1997, the FAA said Thailand's civil aviation authority failed to meet "minimum international standards."

Category 1 means that the country complies with International Civil Aviation Organization standards.

The ICAO, a United Nations agency, "red flagged" Thailand in June over safety concerns, listing it alongside Angola, Botswana, Djibouti, Eritrea, Georgia, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malawi, Nepal, Sierra Leone and Uruguay.

The ICAO's concerns have previously led to restrictions on new airline routes linking Thailand with China, South Korea and Japan.

In response to the FAA's decision, Thailand's prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, ordered a swift overhaul of his country's aviation systems.

He acknowledged the setback could undermine confidence in the military leadership that seized power in a 2014 coup.

"Therefore, all must join hands to bring peace to the country." "Don't try to pick a quarrel, because doing so will not lead us out of crisis."

The country's leading international carrier, Thai Airways, issued a statement defending its safety record.

It said the decision would have no impact on its business or customers as it ceased its only U.S. destination flight, to Los Angeles, in October, although it continues to operate code share connections.

"Thai confirms its commitment to aviation safety standards and assures all that Thai operates with the highest international aviation safety standards," it said.

INDIA: AirAsia, Gulf Air, TruJet and Vistara Are Newest Carriers At Rajiv Gandhi Airport

According to AAI figures, in January of this year Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport achieved a rolling 12-month passenger throughput of more than 10 million passengers for the first time in its history. This was followed in May by handling over one million passengers in a month for the first time. The airport ranks as India’s sixth busiest and serves the capital of the southern Indian state of Telangana.

The current facility was opened on a former greenfield site in March 2008, when passenger numbers were around the seven million mark. Initially passenger numbers fell as a result of the global economic crisis, but since then demand has rebounded well, and in the year ending 31 March 2015 the airline processed 10.4 million passengers, a 20% increase on the previous 12-month period. Latest AAI figures for June 2015 show that the airport has handled close to 11 million passengers in the last 12 months.

IndiGo is #1 carrier

The leading airline at the airport is IndiGo, with an estimated 40% of scheduled seat capacity spread across a network of 15 domestic destinations and one international (Dubai). This makes the carrier more than twice as big as its nearest rival, Air India. SpiceJet has fallen from second to third at the airport as a result of its network restructuring, while Jet Airways is fourth.

The leading foreign carrier at the airport is Emirates, followed by Etihad Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Thai Airways and British Airways (shown in bright green). Four airlines have begun service from the airport in the last 12 months; AirAsia, Gulf Air (technically a resumption of services), TruJet and Vistara.


Delhi and Mumbai jostle for leading route status

Delhi and Mumbai are evenly matched as the airport’s two busiest routes, well ahead of third-ranked Bengaluru. There are only two international routes in the airport’s top 12, but one of them, Dubai, ranks as the airport’s fourth busiest route, served by Air India, Emirates, flydubai and IndiGo. Abu Dhabi in eighth place is served by Etihad Airways and Jet Airways. Other destinations served in the Middle East include Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat and Riyadh. Asian destinations with direct service include Bangkok (with Thai Airways), Hong Kong (with Cathay Pacific Airways), Kuala Lumpur (with AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines) and Singapore (with both SilkAir and Singapore Airlines). The only non-stop service to Europe is to London Heathrow with British Airways. There are currently no direct services to anywhere in China or the US.

TruJet is newest airline

On 12 July, Hyderabad welcomed its newest carrier, TruJet. The new, domestic carrier currently has a fleet of two ATR 72-500s and operates from Hyderabad to Aurangabad, Chennai, Tirupati and Rahajmundry, with services to Bengaluru expected to launch in mid-September.