Juneyao Air launches Nanjing - Mandalay route on 9 April 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                 / KUCINTA SETIA

Juneyao Air launches new route from Nanjing to Mandalay on 9 April 2019 using its Airbus A320 aircraft.

On 9 April 2019, Juneyao Air flight HO1629 departs from Nanjing for Mandalay at 10 pm, arrives in Mandalay at 12.40 am local time on 10 April 2019 before leaving Mandalay for Nanjing at 2.10 am and touching down in Nanjing at 7.50 am under flight HO1630.

Juneyao Air flies to Mandalay from Nanjing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It returns to Nanjing on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Korean Air launches non-stop flight to Boston on 12 April 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA

Image courtesy : Cho Woosoung

Korean Air launches non-stop flight from Incheon to Boston on 12 April 2019 using its 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. However the aircraft deployed on the route may subject to change on future flight dates.

On 12 April 2019 (Friday), Korean Air flight KE091 departs from Incheon for Boston at 9.30 am, arrives in Boston local time at 10.30 am before leaving Boston for Incheon at 1.25 pm and touching down in Incheon at 4.25 pm on 13 April 2019 under flight KE092. These flights to Boston are also effective on Wednesdays and Sundays while the schedules to Incheon from Boston are effective on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, KE091 leaves Incheon for Boston at 9.50 am and touches down in Boston at 10.50 am local time. On Saturdays, KE092 departs from Boston for Incheon at 1.45 pm  before arriving in Incheon at 4.45 pm on Sundays.

Korean Air flies five times a week to Boston and the new route is launched as part of Korean Air's 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Ten Korean Air 50th Anniversary livery aircraft for 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA

Image courtesy : Korean Air Facebook

According to the Korean Air official website, Korean Air announced that it will launch ten aircraft with special logos and slogans this year to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary.

The special aircraft was printed with the number 50, and a plane flew over the top, highlighting the company's slogan "Beyond 50 Years of Excellence." The number 50 symbolizes the 50th anniversary of Korean Air and uses the artistic Tai Chi design. The Tai Chi pattern is a symbol of the Korean national flag.

The slogan “Beyond 50 Years of Excellence” highlights the contribution that Korean Air has made to the Korean aviation industry over the past 50 years, and also emphasizes its ambition to pursue excellence in the next 50 years. Korean Air’s employees participated in the design and selection process of logos and slogans.

Korean Air will operate ten special livery aircraft, two aircraft of each model, including A380-800,  787-9, B777-300ER and A220-300, and will launch Boeing 737 MAX 8 operations at the end of 2019. 

The Boeing 777-300ER is the first 50th Anniversary-theme livery aircraft operated by Korean Air. It flew from Incheon to San Francisco  on 14 February 2019. The other 50th anniversary theme aircraft will also gradually join Korean Air's global and domestic routes, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Korean Air on 1 March 2019. The logo and slogan will remain on the ten aircraft until the end of 2019.

Juneyao Air launches daily flight from Qingdao to Osaka Kansai on 31 March 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA

Juneyao Air launches daily scheduled flight from Qingdao to Osaka Kansai on 31 March 2019 using its A321 aircraft.

On 31 March 2019, Juneyao Air flight HO1301 departs from Qingdao for Osaka Kansai at 4.15 pm, arrives in Kansai at 7.30 pm before leaving Kansai for Qingdao at 8.30 pm and touching down in Qingdao at 10.35 pm under flight HO1302.

Besides the new Qingdao - Osaka Kansai and Pudong - Helsinki routes, Juneyao Air plans to launch long-haul flight to London from Pudong using one of its 787-9 aircraft in July 2019 as well as flights from Nanjing to Vladivostok and from Pudong to Sihanoukville in June 2019.

Suparna Airlines receives its first 787-9 on 23 February 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA

Image courtesy : Suparna Airlines

Suparna Airlines receives its first 787-9 on 23 February 2019. Its first commercial flight will be operated on the Pudong - Sanya route on 27 February 2019. With the addition of this new aircraft, Suparna Airlines has 12 passenger aircraft in its fleet including 9 B737-800 jets.

Genghis Khan Airlines' first ARJ21 aircraft will launch Inner Mongolia flights in April 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                   / KUCINTA SETIA

Image courtesy : Genghis Khan Airlines

Genghis Khan Airlines, which has obtained its AOC from CAAC, has taken delivery of its first ARJ21 aircraft on 22 February 2019. The aircraft left Shanghai for Hohhot at 12.08 pm on 22 February and arrived in Hohhot at 3.02 pm.

With the new aircraft, Genghis Khan Airlines plans to launch scheduled flights from Hohhot to Ulanhot and Xilinhot in April 2019 before adding other Inner Mongolian airports to its flight network.

MIAT Mongolian Airlines' annual chartered flight to Ulaanbaatar from Singapore takes off on 8 June 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA  SETIA

MIAT Mongolian Airlines' annual chartered flight to Ulaanbaatar from Singapore for 2019 takes place on 8 June 2019 using a B767-300ER aircraft.

According to Universal Travel Corporation Pte Ltd that organizes the annual charter flight, MIAT Mongolian Airlines flight OM7702 departs from Singapore for Ulaanbaatar at 2.20 pm,  arrives in Ulaanbaatar at 9.40 pm and leaves Ulaanbaatar for Singapore on 15 June 2019 at 9.30 am and touching down in Singapore at 4.50 pm under flight OM7701.

On 8 June 2019, flight OM7701 departs from Ulaanbaatar at 6.00 am estimated time and arrives in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 at 1.20 pm.

The traditional eight-days MIAT Mongolia tour itinerary for Singaporeans covers visits to Gandan Monastery, Sukhbaatar Square, Mongolian cultural show, Bayangobi, Kharakhorum and Tereji 13th Century Camp. 

Universal Travel Corporation is also selling individual MIAT flight tickets for the 8 June / 15 June flights.

For more information, visit Universal Travel Corporation office at 101 Upper Cross Street #B1-66, People's Park Centre, Singapore 056357, call 65355577 or email utc@utc.sg.

Juneyao Air deploys A320 on HO1605 flight to Singapore from 22 February 2019 onwards

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA

Juneyao Air has just notified all its sales agents that its 787-9's last flight to Singapore HO1605 will be on 21 February 2019. From 22 February 2019 onwards, its A320 narrow-body aircraft will operate on HO1605's route from Pudong to Singapore.

The announcement was made on 19 February 2019 at 6.10 pm following the review of its 787-9 technical and service performance to Singapore Changi Airport, the market demand and operation factors.

Juneyao Air flight HO1605 is scheduled to leave Pudong for Singapore at 3.45 pm, arrive in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4 at 9.15 pm before leaving Singapore for Pudong at 10.30 pm and touching down in Pudong at 3.40 am the next day under flight HO1606.

Passengers who have on-line bookings on Juneyao Air via Trip, Ctrip, Qunar and other online Chinese air ticketing platforms will note the change of Juneyao Air's aircraft on the route.

Juneyao Air further adds that "subject to change possibilities", the 787-9 will resume flight to Singapore on 16 March 2019.

Juneyao Air 787-9 grounded in Singapore for three days

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA

Image courtesy : Juneyao Air.

According to Changi Airport, one of Juneyao Air's 787-9 Dreamliners was grounded in Singapore for three days from 17 February to 19 February 2019 due to technical issues after arriving late at Changi Airport Terminal 4 in the morning of 17 February. Therefore there were no return Juneyao Air flights to Pudong from Singapore on the three days. 

The Dreamliner's technical issues were finally resolved on 19 February 2019 by a team from SIA Engineering Company. 

At press time, the Dreamliner is being towed from the Changi Airport hangar to Changi Airport Terminal 4 to pick up passengers for the late flight HO1606 to Pudong tonight.

Juneyao Air has a fleet of 3 787-9 aircraft currently. It does not have spare 787-9 to pick up stranded passengers. The other two 787-9 jets operate their services to Shenzhen and Chengdu from Shanghai Hongqiao and from Pudong to Taoyuan.

On the technical failure of flight HO1605, Juneyao Air notified the reporter of this web-site, "Due to schedule change led by previous 787 technical failure, HO1605/19FEB has to be cancelled. However Boeeing 787-9 being our current flagship, it seldom meets flight cancellation/delay during its domestic operation last year. We are trying every effort to make it our most on-time jet in our fleet".

Vietjet Air launches flight to Hong Kong from Phu Quoc on 19 April 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                   / KUCINTA SETIA

Vietjet Air launches new scheduled flight to Hong Kong from Phu Quoc on 19 April 2019 using Airbus A320 aircraft. It flies every Friday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday between Phu Quoc and Hong Kong.

On 19 April 2019, Vietjet flight VJ976 departs from Phu Quoc for Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 2 at 11.55 am, arrives in Hong Kong at 3.40 pm before leaving Hong Kong for Phu Quoc at 4.45 pm and landing in Phu Quoc at 6.30 pm under flight VJ977.  These flights are valid on Fridays and Sundays.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, flight VJ976 takes off from Phu Quoc for Hong Kong at 10.50 am, touches down in Hong Kong at 2.35 pm before leaving Hong Kong for Phu Quoc at 3.40 pm and arriving in Phu Quoc at 5.25 pm under flight VJ977.

Hong Kong is Phu Quoc airport's newest international destination after Hangzhou and  Suvarnabhumi while Phu Quoc is the newest Vietnam destination for the Hong Kong travel market. 

Phu Quoc is well-known for its Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resorts, Duong Dong Market, black pepper cultivation, pearl farming and fish-sauce production. Sung Hung Pagoda and Nguyen Trung Truc's Temple are located in Phu Quoc. The Phu Quoc Express ferry service operates direct service to Can Tho while there are hydrofoil services to Rach Gia and Ha Tien, two other Vietnamese towns.

SilkAir launches scheduled non-stop flight to Busan on 1 May 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                   / KUCINTA SETIA

SilkAir launches its furthest route to Northeast Asia on 1 May 2019. On this date, flight MI876 departs from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 for Busan at 11.15 pm, arrives in Busan Gimhae International Airport at 7 am on 2 May 2019 before leaving Busan for Singapore at 8 am and arriving in Singapore at 2.15 pm under flight MI875.

Flights to Busan are operated on a scheduled basis by SilkAir's 737 MAX 8 aircraft on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Flights return to Singapore from Busan on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The scheduled flights are operated in response to a higher market demand for direct consistent flights to Busan. Eastar Jet and Air Busan have recently ended their charter flights to Singapore from Busan.

SilkAir initially operated annual charter flights to Busan from Singapore as early as 2005. Busan is SilkAir's first Korean destination.

Air Belgium drops plan to resume scheduled flight to Hong Kong on 31 March 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA

Air Belgium has dropped its plan to resume scheduled flight to Hong Kong on 31 March 2019 under flights KF851 (Brussels Charleroi - Hong Kong, 2.10 pm - 7.40 am) and KF852 (Hong Kong - Brussels Charleroi, 11.40 am - 6.25 pm). Originally, it plans to depart for Hong Kong on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays while it returns to Brussels Charleroi on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting from 31 March using A340-300 aircraft..

Instead, Air Belgium is planning to launch flights to two destinations in China during summer and introduce flights to North America from Brussels Charleroi.

Air Belgium is refunding passengers affected in Belgium and Hong Kong by the flight cancellations.

Vietnam Airlines' new schedules for its Ho Chi Minh City - Singapore flights effective 31 March 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA

Effective 31 March 2019, Vietnam Airlines is deploying one of its A350XWB aircraft on one of its flights to Singapore from Ho Chi Minh City, replacing A321 which will conduct its final night service to Ho Chi Minh City on 30 March 2019 from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4. The new flight schedules on this route as a result from 31 March 2019 until further notice are as follows:-

Vietnam Airlines Flight              Timing                           Route Sector                    Aircraft Details
VN651                                 9.10 am - 12.10 am    Ho Chi Minh City - Singapore         A321-200
VN650                                1.10 pm - 2.20 pm       Singapore - Ho Chi Minh City         A321-200
VN655                                2.25 pm - 5.25 pm       Ho Chi Minh City - Singapore         A321-200
VN654                                6.25 pm - 7.35 pm       Singapore - Ho Chi Minh City         A321-200
VN657                                4.25 pm - 7.25 pm       Ho Chi Minh City - Singapore         A350-900
VN656                                8.25 pm - 9.35 pm       Singapore - Ho Chi Minh City         A350-900

The Ho Chi Minh City - Singapore return flight is Vietnam Airlines' first A350XWB route to Southeast Asia. The airline has 12 A350-900 aircraft and it has an additional order of 2 more A350 aircraft.

Vietnam Airlines' twice daily scheduled flights from Hanoi to Singapore remain unchanged.

In the summer season, Vietnam Airlines has plan to introduce new flight route from Danang to Singapore in mid-June 2019 using A321 aircraft. However, the detailed flight schedules and fare prices are yet to be finalized. 

For the latest flight information on Vietnam Airlines, visit its web-site www.vietnamairlines.com.

Singapore Airlines opens third daily flight to Osaka Kansai on 27 April 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA

Singapore Airlines launches its third daily flight from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 to Osaka Kansai on 27 April 2019.

On 27 April 2019, flight SQ620 departs from Singapore for Osaka Kansai at 8.30 am, arrives in Kansai at 4 pm before leaving Kansai for Singapore at 5.25 pm and touching down in Changi Airport at 11.05 pm under flight SQ621.

Flights will be operated using A330-300 aircraft until further notice.

Lanmei Airlines launches flights to Qinhuangdao and Huangshan on 6 February 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA
Distributed to All Press & Travel Professionals

Lanmei Airlines launches scheduled charter flights from Siem Reap to Qinhuangdao and Huangshan in China on 6 February 2019. 

The Sino-Cambodian airline's first flight to Qinhuangdao is operated using one of its three A319-100 aircraft.

According to schedule, the A319 aircraft leaves Siem Reap for Qinhuangdao at 9 am under flight LQ872, touches down in Qinhuangdao at 1.30 pm before taking off for Siem Reap at 2.30 pm and arriving in Siem Reap at 7 pm under flight LQ873. This is the first direct international route for Qinhuangdao Beidaihe Airport.

Lanmei Airlines' maiden flight to Huangshan is operated by its first A320-200 aircraft, that previously belonged to the now-defunct Cambodian private carrier KC International Airlines.

On 6 February 2019, Lanmei Airlines flight LQ850 departs from Siem Reap for Huangshan at 9 am, arrives in Huangshan at 12.50 pm before leaving Huangshan for Siem Reap at 1.50 pm and touching down in Siem Reap at 6.05 pm under flight LQ851.

There are Lanmei Airlines flights to Huangshan on 10, 15, 20, 24 February, 1, 6, 10, 15, 20, 24 and 29 March 2019.

Lanmei Airlines took over the A320-200 jet from KC International Airlines on 31 January 2019 as KC International Airlines has suspended all flight operations in Cambodia since 8 January 2019 due to poor route-planning and debts as a result of unpaid aircraft servicing and airport usage fees.

With the addition of the A320-200, Lanmei Airlines now has a fleet of 6 aircraft including 2 A321-200, 3 A319-100 and 1 A320-200 jets. 

Juneyao Air launches daily flight to Helsinki on 28 June 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                 / KUCINTA SETIA
Distributed to All Press & Travel Professionals

On 2 February 2019, Juneyao Air announced that its 787-9 inaugural flight to Helsinki from Pudong takes off on 28 June 2019.

On 28 June 2019, Juneyao Air flight HO1607 departs from Pudong for Helsinki at 12.55 am, touches down in Helsinki at 6.20 am before leaving Helsinki for Pudong at 2.20 pm and arriving in Pudong at 4.20 am on 29 June 2019 under flight HO1608.

Juneyao Air flies daily to Helsinki. 

The Shanghai airline has three 787-9 aircraft. By 2020, it will own 10 Dreamliner aircraft.

Tianjin Airlines launches scheduled flight to Nagoya Chubu on 31 March 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA
Distributed to All Press & Travel Professionals

Tianjin Airlines launches scheduled flight from Tianjin to Nagoya Chubu International Airport on 31 March 2019 using A320 aircraft.

On 31 March 2019, Tianjin Airlines flight GS7891 departs from Tianjin for Nagoya Chubu at 8.10 am, arrives in Chubu at 12 pm before leaving Chubu for Tianjin at 1 pm and touching down in Tianjin at 3.15 pm under flight GS7892.

Tianjin Airlines operates flights to Chubu on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. 

Nagoya Chubu is Tianjin Airlines' fourth Japanese airport destination after Haneda (four times a week), Osaka Kansai (twice daily) and Sapporo Chitose (Wednesdays and Sundays).

MIAT Mongolian Airlines' 737 MAX 8 launch maiden flights to Guangzhou and Osaka on 31 March and 3 July 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                     / KUCINTA SETIA
Distributed to All Press & Travel Professionals

Image courtesy : MIAT Facebook

According to news and pictures posted on its Facebook by MIAT Mongolian Airlines, its first 737 MAX 8 aircraft in the new MIAT Mongolian Airlines livery, on long-term lease from Avolon, has finally arrived in Ulaanbaatar International Airport on 1 February 2019 for the official aircraft reception ceremony at the Mongolian Airlines aircraft maintenance building.

The leased 737 MAX 8 aircraft from the order book of Avolon, registered with Boeing and named Tolui Khaan in Mongolian, first left the Seattle plant of Boeing on 31 January 2019. Final inspection of the aircraft by the MIAT CEO prior to takeover delivery took place on 27 January 2019.

MIAT Mongolian Airlines is deploying Tolui Khaan on its route to Suvarnabhumi from 20 February 2019 until 30 March 2019 before introducing it on its official inaugural scheduled flight from Ulaanbaatar to Guangzhou on 31 March 2019.

On 31 March 2019, Tolui Khaan departs for Guangzhou under flight OM235 from Ulaanbaatar at 10.25 pm, touches down in Guangzhou at 2.25 am on 1 April 2019 before leaving Guangzhou for Ulaanbaatar at 3.25 am and arriving in Ulaanbaatar at 7.35 am under flight OM234.

MIAT flies to Guangzhou on Sundays and Thursdays. It returns to Ulaanbaatar from Guangzhou on Mondays and Fridays.

The 737 MAX 8 will also operate on MIAT's routes to Incheon, Beijing Capital, Busan and Narita on other days of the week, subject to operation requirements. 

The second 737 MAX 8 leased from Avolon will join MIAT's fleet in May 2019. 

Both 737 MAX 8 aircraft will be scheduled to operate on its routes to Moscow from 2 July 2019 to 30 August 2019 and to Osaka Kansai from 3 July to 28 August 2019.

On 3 July 2019, MIAT flight OM505 departs from Ulaanbaatar for Osaka Kansai at 8.20 am, arrives in Osaka Kansai at 1.20 pm before leaving Kansai for Ulaanbaatar at 2.20 pm under flight OM506 and touching down in Ulaanbaatar at 6 pm. Flights are on Wednesdays and Sundays.

As of 2 February 2019, MIAT has 2 B767-300ER, 3 B737-800, 1 B737-700 and 1 737 MAX 8 aircraft. It will return its sole-leased B737-700 aircraft to Oman Air in May 2019. 

China Eastern Shanghai Airlines launches 787-9 flight to Singapore on 1 February 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA
Distributed to All Press & Travel Professionals

China Eastern Shanghai Airlines (东上航) launches 787-9 flight to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 from Pudong at 9.56 am on 1 February 2019. This becomes Shanghai's first 787-9 flight to Changi Airport rather than Juneyao Air's 787-9 flight to Changi Airport Terminal 4 in the afternoon. It is cause of celebration for Shanghai Airlines and Changi Airport.

267 passengers are onboard the 787-9 international inaugural flight.

Image courtesy above : China Eastern Shanghai Airlines

Shanghai Airlines operates daily 787 flight to Changi Airport Terminal 3 from 1 February 2019 using MU code. Prior to the flight, its other livery aircraft has been seen operating evening flights to Terminal 3 frequently.

Congratulations to Juneyao Air on its first 787-9 international flight to Singapore on 1 February 2019!

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA
Distributed to All Press & Travel Professionals

At 9.30 pm, Juneyao Air 787-9 flight HO1605 arrived at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4 from Shanghai Pudong. Congratulations to Juneyao Air on its first 787-9 international flight to Singapore on 1 February 2019!

Before the flight landed at Terminal 4, the Singapore station staff of Juneyao Air graced Row 2 counters with Juneyao Air 787-9 aircraft models. According to the airline's Singapore station manager, a special inaugural flight reception ceremony is held at Gate 18 before passengers board flight HO1606. All passengers on Juneyao Air's inaugural flight to Pudong HO1606 are given free Juneyao Air 787-9 aircraft models as their first flight souvenirs. 

Juneyao Air informs the reporter that its maximum weight of carry-on baggage is 7 kg on its international flights. Its check-in counters open at 7.15 pm and close 45 minutes before flight departure.

To market the airline in Singapore and sell its network tickets to Singapore agents, Juneyao Air will open branch office in Raffles Place to the public in due course, according to the station manager. Copies of Juneyao Air inflight magazine The Moment containing the airline's flight schedules will be available at the new office in future.

According to system schedule, flight HO1605 arrives daily at Terminal 4 at 9.15 pm and departs from Terminal 4 for Pudong at 10.30 pm under HO1606.

On 1 February 2019 at press time, due to air traffic congestion, flight HO1606 leaves Terminal 4 for Pudong after 11 pm actually.

Juneyao Air is the first full-service airline of Shanghai to launch operations at Changi Airport Terminal 4. It is a dream come true for the airline.

GoAir launches flight to Abu Dhabi from Kannur on 1 March 2019

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                   / KUCINTA SETIA
Distributed to All Press & Travel Professionals

GoAir launches direct flight from Kannur to Abu Dhabi four times a week from 1 March 2019.

From 1 March  to 29 March 2019, GoAir flight G8053 departs from Kannur for Abu Dhabi at 10.10 pm, arrives in Abu Dhabi at 4 am on 2 March 2019 before leaving AbuDhabi for Kannur at 7.10 am and landing in Kannur at 4 am under flight G8054.  During this period, GoAir flies to Abu Dhabi on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. It returns to Kannur on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays.

From 31 March to 26 October 2019, flight G8053 leaves Kannur for Abu Dhabi at 3.20 pm, touches down in Abu Dhabi at 5.50 pm before taking off from Abu Dhabi for Kannur at 6.50 pm and arriving in Kannur at 12.20 am the next day under flight G8054. During this period, GoAir flies to and leaves Abu Dhabi on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The flights are operated by A320neo / A320-200 aircraft. Abu Dhabi is GoAir's fourth international destination while Kannur is the newest international airport of the Kerala State,  India.