Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Peach, Japan's largest LCC, is suspending flights gradually to South Korea from Japan. Please note the dates of flight suspension:
The Sapporo Chitose - Incheon flights are withdrawn from 28 October 2019.
The Kansai - Busan route will be closed from 7 January 2020.
The Naha - Incheon flights will be suspended from 28 January to 22 February 2020.
The flight suspensions or withdrawals are due to the worsening ties between South Korea and Japan, leading to drastic decreases in bookings, according to Peach.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
On 1 September 1979, a plane flew gracefully from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo to Bangkok Don Muang marking the success of SriLankan Airlines' first flight. This starts the development of the national airline of Sri Lanka for forty years. SriLankan Airlines, formerly known as Airlanka, is an important economic pillar of the tourism and air cargo industry in this South Asian island country.
Today's SriLankan Airlines is an airline that has won numerous international awards, transports millions of passengers a year, has a network of 109 cities in 48 countries, and code-shares with the world's best airlines. It has become one of the leading airlines in the Indian Ocean region, the largest airline operating two destinations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and the largest foreign airline in India.
Mr. Vipula Gunatilleka, CEO of SriLankan Airlines Group, said, “Our goal is to become the most customer-focused airline in Asia. Whether it is onboard service or ground service, we have won many loyalty for 40 years with excellent customer service. Customer and international honours, safety, punctuality and caring service have always been the constant pursuit of SriLankan Airlines."
As a member of the prestigious “Oneworld” aviation alliance, SriLankan Airlines also connects passengers with more than 1,000 cities in 160 countries through its oneworld partner. Passengers can enjoy Sri Lanka's all-Airbus modern aircraft fleet and its latest on-board service facilities, such as the 180° flat seat in business class and the wonderful in-flight entertainment system, which together form SriLankan Airlines' world-class service system. At the same time, SriLankan Airlines has been rated as one of the most punctual airlines in the world. The high-speed point rate and precise arrival time make it a more reliable choice for global flights.
SriLankan Airlines is not only an airline. In order to support the operation of every airline that flies to Colombo, it has established many effective and unique service support subsidiaries. Its subsidiary, SriLankan Aviation Ground Service is an expert on the ground, serving the passengers of all airlines at the two international airports in the country while SriLankan Air Cargo works closely with all economic sectors to support the Sri Lanka economy. Its important logistics link assists a large number of import and export goods and mail exchanges.
SriLankan Aviation Engineering provides engineering construction and facility maintenance for all airlines to and from BIA while Sri Lanka Aviation Academy is one of the well-known aviation training academies and aviation talents from all over the world. SriLankan Holidays is responsible for leisure tourism activities both inside and outside the country.
SriLankan Catering is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SriLankan Airlines. It has won a number of international awards for its in-flight catering expertise for all BIA airlines and recently announced that it will launch a project of Rs 250 crore for construction. The state-of-the-art galley provides approximately 40,000 meals a day to further increase its production capacity.
SriLankan Airlines has firmly assumed responsibility as a national airline to provide smooth air services during the crisis from civil war to the 2004 tsunami. After a series of bombings in April this year, although many airlines suspended flights to Colombo, SriLankan Airlines continued to maintain the air traffic network in Sri Lanka. For the revitalization of the frustrated Sri Lanka tourism industry, it has also devoted its efforts to contributing to the global marketing of leisure and business travel on the island.
SriLankan Airlines is now embarking on a new business plan, hoping to reverse the company's profitability in the shortest possible time.
Mr. Gunatilleka added, “Our employees are our greatest strength, and we expect them to be able to help SriLankan Airlines achieve more sustainable development without fear of challenges. Next year, we will add new destinations, such as Ahmedabad. Calicut, Kathmandu, Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney, and a series of code-sharing agreements with airlines in Africa, the Middle East and the Far East to expand our route network. We are implementing many cost-saving initiatives, including fuel-saving measures for our fleet and a range of measures to reduce carbon emissions and the use of on-board plastics. At the same time, efforts are made to overcome the effects of global terrorism, trade tensions and climate change."
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Image courtesy : Joy Air
Joy Air launches its first trunk domestic flight from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Harbin on 30 August 2019. This is the first time the airline owned by Xi'an Aerospace Investment Co., Ltd engages in trunk route operations.
On 30 August 2019, Joy Air flight JR1475 departs from Xi'an Xianyang for Harbin at 3.55 pm, arrives in Harbin at 7.10 pm before leaving Harbin for Xi'an at 8.45 pm and touching down in Xi'an at 12.10 am on 31 August 2019 under flight JR1476.
Joy Air flies to Harbin from Xi'an on a daily basis using its first B737-800 aircraft.
The Xi'an airline, Joy Air, was initially formed as a commuter flight subsidiary of China Eastern in 2008 as a purely MA60 aircraft operator. In 2018, the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee, the Shaanxi Provincial Government and the Xi'an Municipal Party Committee made major decisions to invest in Joy Air by launching Xi'an Aerospace Investment Co., Ltd as the parent company of Joy Air.
Joy Air is now the state-owned airline of Xi'an and Shaanxi operating flights to 30 cities in China. It plans to develop its bases in Xi'an and Beijing Capital in order to begin scheduled domestic trunk routes, regional and international flights.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Image courtesy : Xiang Fei
EL AL Israel Airlines has announced sale of Tel Aviv - Narita air tickets on 28 August 2019 for travel effective from 11 March 2020.
On 11 March 2020, EL AL flight LY91 departs from Tel Aviv for Narita at 6 pm, touches down in Narita at 12.10 pm on 12 March 2020 before leaving Narita for Tel Aviv at 2.25 pm and arriving in Tel Aviv at 8.10 pm under flight LY92.
EL AL flies to Narita on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Mondays using its 787 Dreamliner aircraft. It arrives in Tel Aviv from Narita on Thursdays, Sundays and Tuesdays.
With the launch of non-stop flights between Tel Aviv and Narita, travelers from Japan no longer need to transit in Hong Kong or Beijing for onward flights to Tel Aviv, the gateway to Jerusalem.
To celebrate the launch of its Japan flight, EL AL is selling one-way Narita - Tel Aviv air ticket from 502.13 US Dollars. For further pricing details, visit EL AL Israel Airlines at www.elal.co.il or its Singapore office at 2 Bukit Merah Central.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
IndiGo flies daily from Delhi to Chengdu with effect from 15 September 2019 using Airbus A320 aircraft. The flight schedules are as follows:-
Flight 6E1035 departs from Delhi for Chengdu at 10 pm, arrives in Chengdu at 4.55 am before leaving Chengdu for Delhi at 5.55 am and touching down in Delhi at 8.15 am under flight 6E1036.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
According to MIAT Mongolian Airlines' web-site, the Mongolian national flag carrier has launched non-stop flights to Muan and Sanya from Ulaanbaatar on 25 August 2019 using B737-800 aircraft.
On 25 August 2019, MIAT flight OM7311 departs from Ulaanbaatar for Muan at 1.30 am, touches down in Muan at 5.40 am before leaving Muan for Ulaanbaatar at 7 am and arriving in Ulaanbaatar at 9.55 am under flight OM7312.
MIAT flight OM7251 leaves Ulaanbaatar for Sanya at 6.30 pm on 25 August 2019, arrives in Sanya at 11.40 pm before departing from Sanya for Ulaanbaatar at 12.40 am on 26 August 2019 and touching down in Ulaanbaatar at 5.45 am under flight OM7252.
MIAT Mongolian Airlines flies to Sanya and Muan on Sundays while it arrives in Ulaanbaatar from Sanya on Mondays. MIAT is authorized to perform regular flights to Sanya until 31 December 2019.
Sanya is the first China destination of MIAT it operates charter flight to while Muan is one of two South Korean destinations that it operates charter flights to, the other is Jeju.
Regular scheduled flights of MIAT reach Beijing Capital, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Busan, Incheon, Narita, Moscow, Berlin, Frankfurt and Khanbumbat while seasonal scheduled flights are operated to Suvarnabhumi during winter season.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Vietjet Air launches flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Delhi on 6 December and 7 December 2019 respectively using its Airbus A320 aircraft.
On 6 December 2019, Vietjet Air flight VJ895 departs from Ho Chi Minh City for Delhi at 7 pm, touches down in Delhi at local time 10.50 pm before leaving Delhi for Ho Chi Minh City at 11.50 pm and arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at 6.10 am on 7 December 2019 under flight VJ896.
On 7 December 2019, flight VJ971 leaves Hanoi for Delhi at 7.10 pm, arrives in Delhi at 10.50 pm before taking off for Hanoi at 11.50 pm and touching down in Hanoi at 5.20 am under flight VJ972 on 8 December 2019.
Vietjet Air flies to Delhi from Ho Chi Minh City on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays while it arrives in Delhi from Hanoi on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It lands in Ho Chi Minh City from Delhi on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays whereas it arrives in Hanoi from Delhi on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
On 30 July 2019, CAAC has permitted Jetstar Asia to launch non-stop scheduled flight from Singapore to Hefei.
Jetstar Asia plans to fly three times a week to Hefei.
Currently, passengers from Singapore intending to fly to Hefei have to transit in Haikou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen or Harbin for onward flights to Hefei. The cheapest direction of travel is via Harbin.
Jetstar Asia will announce the flight details in due course once they are finalized.
Report By : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
According to CAAC, on 10 July 2019, it has permitted Air Busan to launch three new routes from Incheon to China.
The new routes are Incheon - Chengdu, Incheon - Shenzhen and Incheon - Ningbo.
Air Busan plans to operate thrice-weekly scheduled flights to Chengdu, six return flights weekly to Shenzhen and thrice-weekly scheduled flights to Ningbo in late 2019.
Soon, Air Busan will publish the flight details in South Korea.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
According to a report by Aviation Nepal, Himalaya Airlines has been authorized by CAAC to launch direct non-stop flight from Kathmandu to Daxing, the second international airport of Beijing as pictured above in early 2019.
Daxing has slots for international flights from Helsinki (by Finnair), Warsaw (by LOT), London (by British Airways), Casablanca (by Royal Air Maroc), Fukuoka and now Kathmandu.
Himalaya Airlines plans to launch Nepal's first flight to Daxing on 27 October 2019. However, the flight details are yet to be available. Currently, it operates flights to Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dhaka and Damman using Airbus A320 aircraft.
Daxing will be officially open to domestic and international flights on 30 September 2019.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on 22 August 2019, Qantas announced on the same day that it will use the 787-9 Dreamliner for each one-way 19-hour test flight from Sydney to New York and London in late 2019. The airline will determine whether the passengers and crew can sustain their health on the marathon flights.
Qantas said that the test flights will be conducted three times later this year. Each aircraft will carry a maximum of 40 crew members and Qantas employees. Their health on each route will be monitored. In addition, the company will decide before the end of the year whether to put it into operation.
Qantas hopes to launch direct commercial flights from Sydney to New York and Sydney to London in 2022. Once operational, these will be the longest two commercial flights in the world.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the flights represent "the ultimate frontier in the aviation sector." At the same time, however, ultra-long-haul flights have brought many common-sense problems involving the comfort and health of passengers and crew.
Joyce also revealed to the US Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) that the above-mentioned test flights also means that for the first time in history, commercial airlines will fly directly from New York to Sydney and the second time from London to Sydney.
In August 1989, a Qantas' Boeing B747-400 flew from London to Sydney without any stopover. It took 20 hours and 9 minutes. In addition to the five pilots, there were two crew members and 16 passengers on board.
Currently, the world's longest direct commercial flight is operated by Singapore Airlines' Airbus A350-900ULR between Singapore Changi and Newark. This journey of more than 15,300 kilometres takes about 18.5 hours to complete.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Emirates has announced that it is launching B777-200LR flight to Mexico City from Dubai via Barcelona on 9 December 2019 on a daily basis.
On 9 December 2019, Emirates flight EK255 departs from Dubai for Mexico City via Barcelona at 3.30 am, transits in Barcelona at 8 am before leaving Barcelona at 9.55 am local time and arriving in Mexico City at 4.15 pm.
At 7.40 pm, flight EK256 leaves Mexico City for Barcelona, transits in Barcelona at 1.25 pm on 10 December 2019 before embarking on the return journey to Dubai at 3.10 pm and touching down in Dubai at 12.45 am on 11 December 2019.
Emirates currently operates twice-daily flights to Barcelona. With the additional link to Mexico City, it will operate thrice-daily flights to Barcelona from 9 December 2019.
Emirates does not face any direct competition on the route from Barcelona to Mexico City and it is the only carrier from Dubai to operates flights to Mexico City.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, commented about the transit destination Barcelona on the airline's fifth-freedom route to Mexico City, "Due to the high altitude of Mexico City airport (7000 feet above sea level), it is not possible to operate a non-stop flight from Dubai, and Barcelona was a natural choice for a stopover. We are pleased to offer a direct connection on the route between the Spanish city and Mexico City that has long been neglected by other airlines and remains underserved despite the strong customer demand".
According to Jerome Demare, Public Relations Officer of Emirates, Mexico is popular for business and leisure travelers around the world, in particular from the UAE, Spain, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Egypt and Lebanon. It is also home to Middle East communities.
According to Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai is also increasing in popularity with Mexican travelers. In the first five months of 2019 alone, Mexican visitor numbers to Dubai have grown by 32 per cent compared to the same period in 2018.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
IndiGo resumes non-stop scheduled flight from Delhi to Singapore on 12 September 2019 using its Airbus A320 aircraft.
According to schedules, IndiGo flight 6E0017 departs from Delhi Terminal 1D for Singapore Changi Terminal 2 on 12 September at 6.25 pm, arrives in Changi Airport at 2.45 am on 13 September 2019 before leaving Changi Airport for Delhi at 3.45 am and touching down in Delhi at 6.50 am under flight 6E0018.
IndiGo flies to Singapore from Delhi on Thursdays, Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays. It leaves Singapore for Delhi on Fridays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
IndiGo suspended flights from Delhi to Singapore in 2014. The resumption of flights to Delhi from Singapore is in response to increasing market demand for Delhi flights as a result of the grounding of Jet Airways' flights.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Image courtesy : CAAC
On 20 August 2019, during the 56th Asia-Pacific Civil Aviation Directors' Meeting in Kathmandu, Li Jian, Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Lu Jingqi, signed the Technical Arrangement on Aviation Maintenance on behalf of CAAC and CAAS respectively. This is the first time that CAAC has signed a mutual airworthiness maintenance mutual recognition agreement with another country.
At present, 43 maintenance units in Singapore have obtained the civil aviation maintenance licenses of China, including the maintenance companies of the airlines and the maintenance units authorized by the manufacturers. There are 26 maintenance units in China that hold Singapore maintenance licenses, including engines, components and line maintenance units.
China and Singapore reaching a maintenance mutual recognition agreement means that after obtaining the maintenance licenses of CAAC and CAAS, the maintenance units of the two countries can obtain the maintenance licenses of the other CAA through simple procedures, without having to accept the on-site review of each CAA. This not only facilitates the convenient use of the maintenance resources of both parties by the airlines of the two countries, but also helps maintenance units of each side reduce administrative costs, and at the same time save government regulatory resources to an extent.
The signing of the agreement is an important step in the construction of China's maintenance support service system. It will also help China's maintenance industry further explore the international market, improve its international competitiveness, and strengthen its support for the construction of a new era of civil aviation in the field of continuous airworthiness maintenance. The signing of the agreement also explored the cooperation model for the Civil Aviation Administration's external cooperation in the field of continuous airworthiness maintenance, and accumulated experience for further expansion of cooperation with other civil aviation authorities in the future.
China and Singapore will also complete the signing of the implementation procedures in the near future to implement the agreement and provide guidance for the industry.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Air Niugini is adding a direct flight frequency to Nadi, Fiji, from Port Moresby with effect from 5 September 2019.
On 5 September 2019, Air Niugini flight PX86 departs from Port Moresby for Nadi at 9.55 am, touches down in Nadi at 4.45 pm before leaving Nadi for Port Moresby at 8.30 am on 6 September 2019 and arriving in Port Moresby at 11.30 am under flight PX87.
Air Niugini operates B737-700 flights between Port Moresby and Nadi on Thursdays and leaves Nadi for Port Moresby on Fridays between 5 September 2019 and 25 October 2019.
From 2 November 2019 until further notice, Air Niugini's B737-800 aircraft operates on the above route on Saturdays and touch down in Port Moresby from Nadi on Sundays.
Flight PX86 timing remains the same but flight PX87 leaves Nadi for Port Moresby at 9 am and arrives in Port Moresby at 12 pm.
There is no cancellation to the current routes Port Moresby - Honiara - Nadi, which Air Niugini is operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Air Changan launches thrice-weekly scheduled flight from Jieyang to Zhengzhou on 20 August 2019.
On 20 August 2019, Air Changan flight 9H6036 departs from Jieyang for Zhengzhou at 12.30 pm, touches down in Zhengzhou at 3 pm before leaving Zhengzhou for Jieyang at 4.30 pm and touching down in Jieyang at 7 pm under flight 9H6307.
Air Changan flies between Jieyang and Zhengzhou on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Jeju Air has announced that it is launching two new routes from South Korea to Yanji, China.
On 19 August 2019, its B737-800 launches flight from Incheon to Yanji while on 21 August 2019, it launches twice-weekly scheduled flight from Muan to Yanji.
On 19 August 2019, Jeju Air flight 7C8903 departs from Incheon for Yanji at 4.05 pm, arrives in Yanji at 5.25 pm before leaving Yanji for Incheon at 6.30 pm and touching down in Incheon at 10.05 pm under flight 7C8904.
Flights from Incheon to Yanji are operated daily.
On 21 August 2019, B737-800 flight 7C8013 leaves Muan for Yanji at 8.45 am, arrives in Yanji at 10.25 am before departing from Yanji for Muan at 11.25 am and touching down in Muan at 3.15 pm under flight 7C8014.
Jeju Air flies between Muan and Yanji on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Cambodia Angkor Air launches non-stop flight to Danang from Phnom Penh on 27 October 2019 using its ATR 72 turboprop aircraft.
On 27 October 2019, Cambodia Angkor Air flight K6 846 departs from Phnom Penh for Danang at 1 pm, touches down in Danang at 3 pm before leaving Danang for Phnom Penh at 3.35 pm and arriving in Phnom Penh at 5.35 pm under flight K6 847.
To celebrate the launch of the new route, Cambodia Angkor Air is selling one-way Phnom Penh - Danang air ticket from 88 US Dollars and one -way Danang - Phnom Penh air ticket from 72 US Dollars on its web-site.
Cambodia Angkor Air flies between Phnom Penh and Danang on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It currently flies daily between Siem Reap and Danang.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Cambodia Airways, the youngest airline of Cambodia, launches direct scheduled flight from Phnom Penh to Fuzhou on 31 August 2019 using its Airbus A319 aircraft.
On 31 August 2019, Cambodia Airways flight KR901 departs from Phnom Penh for Fuzhou at 6.40 pm, touches down in Fuzhou at 10.25 pm before leaving Fuzhou for Phnom Penh at 11.25 pm and arriving in Phnom Penh at 1.55 am on 1 September 2019 under flight KR902.
Cambodia Airways flies to Fuzhou on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and returns to Phnom Penh on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Interested customers can book online at Cambodia Airways' web-site www.cambodia-airways.com, Trip, Ctrip or contact its Head Office at crs@cambodia-airways.com, sales@carmbodia-airways.com or its Hong Kong / Macau / China GSA based in Hong Kong, TMS Aviation, at krsaleshkg@groupmci.com.
Fuzhou is Cambodia Airways' sixth scheduled destination after Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Macau and Suvarnabhumi. It operates charter flights to Taoyuan and Taichung. Its future destinations include Manila, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Cambodia Airways first launched domestic flight operation on 10 July 2018 with the A319-100 in the incomplete livery. As of 18 August 2019, it has a fleet of three A319-100 and 2 A320-200 jets.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Ethiopian Airlines has announced that it is launching circular route to Beira from Addis Ababa on 3 September 2019 using its Boeing B737-800 aircraft.
The outbound flight from Addis Ababa for Beira will transit in Blantyre, the capital of Malawi but the outbound flight from Beira will depart non-stop for Addis Ababa. Days of flight operations are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
On 3 September 2019, Ethiopian flight ET0881 departs from Addis Ababa for Beira via Blantyre at 6.50 am, transits in Blantyre at 11.10 am before leaving for Beira at 11.55 am and touching down in Beira at 12.55 pm.
At 1.40 pm, flight ET0881 takes off from Beira for Addis Ababa and touches down in Addis Ababa at 6.30 pm.
Flight ET0881 aims to provide passengers from Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and other Asian destinations of Ethiopian seamless connections to four cities in Mozambique namely Tete, Nampula, Nacala and Pemba via Ethiopian Mozambique Airlines, the subsidiary of Ethiopian Airlines based in Maputo.
Ethiopian Mozambique Airlines with a fleet of B737-800 and Q400 aircraft from Ethiopian Airlines flies from Maputo to Quelimane, Vilankulo, Lichinga, Chimoio, Tete, Nacala, Nampula and Pemba.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Image courtesy : Hunnu Air
Qinhuangdao Beidaihe Airport of Hebei Province has announced the official launch of its second international route on 16 August 2019.
On 16 August 2019, Hunnu Air's E190 aircraft launches flight from Ulaanbaatar for Qinhuangdao at 4.45 pm under flight MR891, touches down in Qinhuangdao Beidaihe Airport at 6.55 pm before leaving the airport for Ulaanbaatar at 7.55 pm and arriving in Ulaanbaatar at 9.05 pm under flight MR892.
Qinhuangdao, the port and prefecture-level city of northeast Hebei, is known for its Shanhaiguan, a popular tourist destination featuring the eastern end of the Great Wall, and Beidaihe, a summer seaside resort for senior government officials.
Hunnu Air flies to Qinhuangdao on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The first international route of Beidaihe Airport is the Yakutsk - Qinhuangdao route operated by Yakutia Airlines of Russia.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Image courtesy : Rushabh P. Bafna
Vistara, operated by TATA SIA Airlines, launches its first A320neo international flight on 21 August 2019.
On 21 August 2019, Vistara flight UK201 departs from Mumbai for Dubai at 4.25 pm, touches down in Dubai at 6.15 pm before leaving Dubai for Mumbai at 7.15 pm and arriving in Mumbai at 12.15 am on 22 August 2019 under flight UK202.
Vistara's A320neo flies to Dubai from Mumbai daily. It will commence inaugural flight from Delhi to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi on 27 August 2019.
Vistara's other planned destinations include Colombo and Narita. It has appointed GSAs in Bangkok, Dubai, Tokyo and Colombo. Its future 787 Dreamliner will enable it to launch non-stop flights to Narita from Delhi and Mumbai.
Currently, Vistara's flights to Singapore Changi Terminal 3 from Delhi and Mumbai are operated by its B737-800NG aircraft and Singapore Airlines is code-sharing with Vistara on these flights.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Image courtesy : Thai Airways International
On 16 August 2019, Thai Airways International revealed the name of its newest B777-300 Suphannahong Royal Barge livery aircraft, Lahan Sai.
Lahan Sai will operate on routes from Suvarnabhumi to Incheon, Taoyuan, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing Capital, among other Asian city airports on the Thai national flag carrier's network.
Below are the details to the Suphannahong Royal Barge livery, courtesy of Thai Airways International.
Report by : Bruce Drum / World Airline News, Gan Yung Chyan / KUCINTA SETIA
Image courtesy : Boeing
Vietnam Airlines receives its first 787-10 Dreamliner on 16 August 2019.
The new 787-10 (VN-A879) complements Vietnam Airlines’ existing fleet of 787-9 jets. Both 787-10 and 787-9 feature the Dreamliner’s ultra-efficient technology and passenger-pleasing comforts. However, the 787-10 is longer than the 787-9, providing the space to carry 40 more passengers and more cargo and helping it offer the lowest operating costs per seat of any twin-aisle jet in service today.
In addition to its size and fuel efficiency, the 787-10 can cover long distances. With a published range of 6,430 nautical miles (11,910 km), the 787-10 can fly more than 95 percent of the world’s twin-aisle routes.
Vietnam Airlines is outfitting its 787-10 models with 367 seats in a configuration of 24 Business Class and 343 Economy Class seats. It will reveal the routes the 787-10 will be deployed on for test and commercial flights by September 2019.
Press Release by : The Scoot Team
Picture by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Mark your calendars because come 22 October 2019, we are moving to our new home at Terminal 1 of Singapore Changi Airport! We heard your feedback loud and clear! At Terminal 1, Scoot’s check-in counters at rows 5 to 7 will feature plenty of space and even more self-service check-in kiosks, allowing a quicker and more seamless check-in flow. The brand-new space will enhance the overall Scoot experience for everyone, while better supporting Scoot’s expansion plans. Please note that all Scoot flights will arrive at Terminal 1 of Singapore Changi Airport from 22 October 2019, and all Scoot flights will depart from Terminal 1 starting from 22 October 2019, 5.15 a.m. Singapore time.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Semarang airport marks 10 years of flight services to Singapore on 25 November 2019.
On 25 November 2009, the defunct Batavia Air launched its first scheduled flight from Semarang to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 using its Airbus A319.
Batavia Air in its Singapore newsletter issued in March 2011 mentioned, "With the inauguration of the Singapore-Semarang route in the last quarter of 2009, Batavia Air has since introduced yet another fresh destination to Singapore's already vibrant network of air routes. Being the only airline that has extended its wings to Semarang from Singapore, it is only apt that we formally introduce you to the "Venice Van Java" (Semarang)."
Semarang, just like Venice, is a heritage city. Get a glimpse of Indonesia's past just by visiting Semarang as the city has plenty of well preserved Dutch colonial buildings and old yet ostentatious landmarks including Lawang Sewu the railway station and administration building constructed by the Dutch in 1907 which has a tragic role as a World War II site for human executions.
Geographically located on the northern coast of Java and experiencing a tropical climate, Semarang is surrounded by a vast natural landscape. This is a huge contrast from the edifices standing in the city itself.
The population of Semarang is predominantly Javanese with an ethnic Chinese majority. The city however is divided into different areas which strongly exudes its multi-ethnic historical footprint. For instance, the Kota Lama has numerous buildings that portray the European culture while the Kawasan Pecinan is dominated by ethnic Chinese descendants. Other areas include Kampung Melayu and Kampung Koja.
Batavia Air's debut service between Singapore and Semarang continued until Batavia Air ceased operations on 31 January 2013 as a result of bankruptcy.
On 7 February 2013, Indonesia AirAsia took over Batavia Air's slot in Semarang airport and launches thrice-weekly scheduled flights to Singapore from Semarang under the flight pair QZ8132/QZ8133.
Flight QZ8132 departs from Semarang for Singapore at 10.40 am, arrives in Singapore at 1.45 pm before leaving Singapore for Semarang at 2.25 pm and touching down in Semarang at 3.25 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays under flight QZ8133.
On 29 July 2013, SilkAir's A320 aircraft launches its first scheduled flight from Singapore Changi to Semarang, becoming the second airline to operate flights on the route six months after Batavia Air's business closure.
Currently, Semarang airport is served by international flights of SilkAir, AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia and domestic flights of Garuda Indonesia, Citilink (from Cengkareng, Palembang and Banjarmasin), Batik Air, Lion Air, Wings Air, NAM Air, Sriwijaya Air, TransNusa (from Pangkalan Bun), Trigana Air (from Surabaya and Pangkalan Bun) and Indonesia AirAsia (from Cengkareng from 1 September 2019).
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Urumqi Air launches flights to Wanzhou and Wenzhou on 1 September 2019 from Urumqi.
On 1 September 2019, Urumqi Air flight UQ2539 departs from Urumqi for Wanzhou at 6.50 am, transits in Wanzhou at 10.45 am before leaving Wanzhou for Wenzhou at 12 pm and touching down in Wenzhou at 2.20 pm.
At 4 pm, flight UQ2540 takes off from Wenzhou for Wanzhou, transits in Wanzhou at 6.40 pm before departing from Wanzhou for Urumqi at 7.40 pm and arriving in Urumqi at 11.35 pm.
Urumqi Air flies to Wanzhou and Wenzhou on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays using B737-800 aircraft.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Sichuan Airlines is adjusting its flight schedule to Copenhagen from Chengdu in September 2019. From 16 September 2019 onwards, it adds Helsinki on its route to Copenhagen. As a result, the new flight schedule to Copenhagen is as follows:-
Sichuan Airlines flight 3U8271 departs from Chengdu for Copenhagen via Helsinki at 2 am, transits in Helsinki at 6 am local time before leaving Helsinki for Copenhagen at 8.35 am and touching down in Copenhagen at 9.10 am.
At 10.55 am, flight 3U8272 leaves Copenhagen for Helsinki, touches down in Helsinki at 1.35 pm before taking off for Chengdu at 3.45 pm and arriving in Chengdu on the next day at 5 am.
Sichuan Airlines flies to Helsinki and Copenhagen on Mondays and Fridays in nine hours.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Joy Air, the China commuter airline with headquarters in Xi'an launched by China Eastern Airlines and AVIC in 2008, launches flight from Xiangyang to Nanchang on 10 August 2019.
On 10 August 2019, Joy Air flight JR1501 departs from Xiangyang for Nanchang at 3.45 pm, touches down in Nanchang at 5.15 pm before leaving Nanchang for Xiangyang at 6 pm and arriving in Xiangyang at 7.35 pm under flight JR1502.
Joy Air flies between Xiangyang and Nanchang daily using a Xian MA-60 aircraft. The airline has a fleet of 23 Xian MA-60.
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
On 27 July 2019, Cambodia Angkor Air celebrates its tenth Anniversary of flight operations in Phnom Penh. Below is the timeline of Cambodia Angkor Air's milestones:-
2019 - 2010 : Cambodia Angkor Air took over the discontinued Royal Air Cambodge as the national flag carrier of Cambodia. Initially, it deployed one Airbus A321 and 2 ATR 72 aircraft on routes between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and from both cities to Ho Chi Minh City.
2011 : Cambodia Angkor Air launches regular flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville.
2012 : Two new Airbus A321 aircraft were acquired to launch flights from Siem Reap to Suvarnabhumi and Hanoi.
2013 : Cambodia Angkor Air launches flight from Siem Reap to Guangzhou on 26 September 2013. This is followed by regular flights from Siem Reap to Pudong.
2014 : Cambodia Angkor Air launches flight from Phnom Penh to Guangzhou where it opens its first overseas branch office.
2015 : Cambodia Angkor Air links Phnom Penh with Vientiane and Hanoi.
2016 : Cambodia Angkor Air launches Siem Reap - Hanoi flight on 30 October 2016.
2017 : Three new Airbus A320s aircraft including two brand new models were acquired. The first A320 jet was deployed on the maiden flight to Incheon from Siem Reap.
In the same year, Cambodia Angkor Air becomes the first official Cambodian member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) receiving an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate.
Cambodia Angkor Air launches maiden flight from Siem Reap to Nanning on 3 June 2017 while the Siem Reap - Hong Kong route is launched on 29 October 2017. Charter flights to Guilin and Hangzhou from Siem Reap begin on 12 and 13 July 2017.
2018 : Cambodia Angkor Air launches regular flight from Phnom Penh to Haikou on 26 March 2018.
2019 : Cambodia Angkor Air connects Phnom Penh with Sihanoukville on 12 June 2019 while its current active scheduled flight from Sihanoukville to Beijing is launched on 12 July 2019.
The Cambodian airline flies from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and from Sihanoukville to Beijing Capital on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays while flights from Beijing to Sihanoukville and from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh are on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
On 1 July 2019, Cambodia Angkor Air launches regular scheduled charter flight from Phnom Penh to Macau.
Cambodia Angkor Air has established many interline agreements with other airlines of the world since its establishment. There are code-sharing flights with airlines like Japan Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Air France to destinations in Europe, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Australia and the US. Its independent flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and other Southeast Asian cities are still under planning and evaluation.
Currently, Cambodia Angkor Air flies on a regular scheduled basis on the following routes, Phnom Penh - Siem Reap, Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville, Siem Reap - Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh - Guangzhou, Siem Reap - Danang, Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh City and Sihanoukville - Beijing.
