Friday, 28 November 2025

Maldivian launches daytime flight to Suvarnabhumi on 23 December 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA



Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, launches scheduled limited flight from Male to Suvarnabhumi on 23 December 2025.

On 23 December 2025, according to schedules, Maldivian flight Q22342 departs from Male for Suvarnabhumi at 8 am, touches down in  Suvarnabhumi at 2.40 pm before leaving Suvarnabhumi for Male at 3.40 pm and arriving in Male under flight Q22343 at 6.05 pm.

Maldivian flies to Suvarnabhumi on Tuesdays with its A320 aircraft until 13 February 2026 before reverting to its Male-Suvarnabhumi-Shenzhen evening winter flight from 27 February 2026 to March 2026.

Thai Vietjet launches flight to Nakhon Si Thammarat on 15 December 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA



Thai Vietjet Air (Thai Vietjet, in short) launches scheduled domestic flight from Suvarnabhumi to Nakhon Si Thammarat on 15 December 2025. There are twice daily flights on the new route. The flight schedules are as follows:-

Thai Vietjet flight VZ330 departs from Suvarnabhumi for Nakhon Si Thammarat at 6.10 am, touches down in Nakhon Si Thammarat at 7.30 am before leaving Nakhon Si Thammarat for Suvarnabhumi at 8 am under flight VZ331 and landing in Suvarnabhumi at 9.15 am.

The next flight VZ334 leaves Suvarnabhumi for Nakhon Si Thammarat at 1.10 pm, arrives in Nakhon Si Thammarat at 2.30 pm before taking off from Nakhon Si Thammarat at 3 pm and landing in Suvarnabhumi at 4.20 pm under flight VZ335.

Thai Vietjet Air's A320 operates flights on the route.

Nakhon Si Thammarat is the ancient city located 610 km south of Bangkok on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula.

Air Cambodia launches flight to Dara Sakor on 14 December 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


According to Air Cambodia, it is launching scheduled domestic flight from Techo to Dara Sakor on 14 December 2025.

According to schedules, Air Cambodia flight K6150 departs from Techo for Dara Sakor on 14 December 2025 at 2.30 pm, touches down in Dara Sakor at 3.25 pm before leaving Dara Sakor for Techo at 4 pm and arriving in Techo at 4.55 pm under flight K6151.

Air Cambodia flies to Dara Sakor with its ATR72-600 aircraft on Fridays and Sundays.

OKAir launches Kunming-Wuhan flight on 10 December 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


OKAir, short for Okay Airways, launches scheduled flight from Kunming to Wuhan on 10 December 2025.

On 10 December 2025, according to schedules, OKAir flight BK3183 departs from Kunming for Wuhan at 1.40 pm, touches down in Wuhan at 4.05 pm before leaving Wuhan for Kunming at 5.05 pm and arriving in Kunming at 7.35 pm under flight BK3184.

OKAir flies daily between Kunming and Wuhan with its B737-800 aircraft.

Thursday, 27 November 2025

Air Astana signs MOU for up to 50 A320neo family aircraft

 Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA         Image : Web Screenshot


Air Astana recently signed a memorandum of understanding for up to 50 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, including 25 firm orders and 25 options. This is Air Astana's largest order ever, paving the way for a major modernization of its fleet.

The agreement is a mixed order for both the A320neo and A321neo models, with deliveries beginning in 2031. The majority of the aircraft will be configured as the Airbus A321LR – Air Astana is one of the first airlines to offer a premium cabin configuration on this aircraft in its pioneering long-haul routes to Asia and Europe. Over the past five years, Air Astana has set an industry benchmark for new operators of its type globally with its A321LR operations.

Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana, stated, “Air Astana’s new order of Airbus A320neo Family aircraft reflects our long-standing commitment to operational efficiency and service excellence. The Airbus A320neo Family has enjoyed tremendous success with Air Astana over the years, and I am confident that the new fleet will continue to drive sustainable growth and long-term profitability.”

Air Astana introduced its first Airbus A320ceo in 2006, primarily operating domestic routes and international routes to and from Central Asia and the Caucasus. The company welcomed its first next-generation A320neo Family aircraft in November 2016. Subsequently, the first Airbus A321LR joined the fleet in September 2019 and was deployed on long-haul routes between Asia and Europe.

The Air Astana Group currently operates a fleet of 62 aircraft, including 59 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, serving its full-service airline Air Astana and low-cost carrier FlyArystan.

Inflight Pictures : Sun PhuQuoc Airways A321 in Phu Quoc

 Photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


Sun PhuQuoc Airways A321neo







Inflight Pictures : Vietravel Airlines yellow livery A321 in Phu Quoc

 Photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA











Hainan Airlines launches flight to Luang Prabang from Shenzhen on 22 November 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


Hainan Airlines has launched scheduled flight from Shenzhen to Luang Prabang on 22 November 2025.

On 22 November 2025, according to schedules, Hainan Airlines flight HU475 departs from Shenzhen for Luang Prabang at 7.35 am, touches down in Luang Prabang at 9.05 am before leaving Luang Prabang for Shenzhen at 10.55 am under flight HU476 and arriving in Shenzhen at 2.10 pm.

Hainan Airlines flies from Shenzhen to Luang Prabang on Fridays and Saturdays with its B737-800 aircraft.

Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Iran Airtour launches flight to KLIA on 14 November 2025

 Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA       Image : Shutterstock



Iran Airtour, a private Iranian airline, has launched scheduled flight from Tehran to KLIA, Malaysia, on 14 November 2025.

On 14 November 2025, according to schedules, Iran Airtour flight B99774 departs from Tehran for KLIA at 8 pm, touches down in KLIA at 8.30 am on 15 November 2025 before taking off from KLIA for Tehran at 11.30 pm and arriving in Tehran at 3.20 am on 16 November 2025.

Iran Airtour flies to KLIA on Fridays and leaves KLIA for Tehran on Saturdays with its A310-300 aircraft.

KLIA is the airline's thirteenth international airport destination after Yerevan, Batumi, Aqtau in Armenia, Munastir in Tunisia, Baghdad and Najaf in Iraq, Sochi in Russia, Denizli, Istanbul and Izmir in Turkey, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It also flies to 14 domestic airports in Iran.

Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Hainan Airlines launches flight to Cam Ranh on 24 November 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


Hainan Airlines launches scheduled direct flight from Haikou to Cam Ranh on 24 November 2025.

On 24 November 2025, according to schedules, Hainan Airlines flight HU715 departs from Haikou for Cam Ranh at 10.45 pm, touches down in Cam Ranh at 11.45 pm before leaving Cam Ranh for Haikou at 1.10 am under flight HU716 and landing in Haikou at 4.10 am local time.

Hainan Airlines flies to Cam Ranh with its 737 MAX 8 aircraft on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The airline also plans to launch flight to Ho Chi Minh City from Haikou and between 1 to 9 December 2025, it is operating flights to KLIA on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and from 10 December 2025, it flies daily to KLIA to meet increasing demand for Malaysia travel.

SCAT Airlines launches flight to Sanya via Bishkek on 21 December 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


SCAT Airlines, a Kazakh flag carrier, launches scheduled flight from Prague to Sanya via Bishkek on 21 December 2025.

According to schedules, SCAT Airlines flight DV482 departs from Prague for Sanya via Bishkek at 4.50 pm on 21 December 2025, stops over in Bishkek at 3.30 am on 22 December 2025 before leaving Bishkek for Sanya at 4.30 am and touching down in Sanya at 12.30 pm.

On 23 December 2025, flight DV481 takes off from Sanya for Prague via Bishkek at 8.05 am, lands in Bishkek at 12.50 pm before departing from Bishkek for Prague at 1.50 pm and arriving in Prague at 3.20 pm local time.

SCAT Airlines flies from Prague to Bishkek and Sanya with its 737 MAX 9 aircraft on Sundays.

Monday, 24 November 2025

Inflight Pictures : Vietnam Airlines A321 arriving in Ho Chi Minh City

 Photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA










Lao Airlines launches scheduled charter flight to Sanya on 24 November 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


Lao Airlines launches scheduled charter flight from Vientiane to Sanya on 24 November 2025.

On 24 November 2025, according to schedules, Lao Airlines flight QV828 departs from Vientiane for Sanya at 7.25 am, touches down in Sanya at 8.55 am before leaving Sanya for Vientiane at 10.55 am and arriving in Vientiane under flight QV829 at 11.35 am.

The outbound flight timing to Sanya above is correct for travel on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays while the inbound flight to Vientiane above is effective on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Fridays, QV829 is scheduled to leave Sanya for Vientiane at 9.55 am and land in Vientiane at 11.25 am.

Flights are operated by Lao Airlines' A320 aircraft for Hainan Lao Gaosheng International Travel Agency. 

Wednesday, 19 November 2025

Shandong Airlines launches flight from Qingdao to Ho Chi Minh City on 17 January 2026

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


Shandong Airlines launches scheduled flight fom Qingdao to Ho Chi Minh City on 17 January 2026.

On 17 January 2026, according to schedules, Shandong Airlines flight SC4645 departs from Qingdao for Ho Chi Minh City at 7.35 pm, touches down in Ho Chi Minh City at 12.30 am on 18 January 2026 before taking off from Ho Chi Minh City for Qingdao at 1.30 am and arriving in Qingdao at 8 am under flight SC4646.

Shandong Airlines flies to Ho Chi Minh City from Qingdao on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and returns to Qingdao on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with its 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Shandong Airlines launches flight from Qingdao to Hanoi on 17 January 2026

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


Shandong Airlines launches scheduled flight from Qingdao to Hanoi on 17 January 2026.

On 17 January 2026, according to schedules, Shandong Airlines flight SC4649 departs from Qingdao for Hanoi st 10.10 pm, touches down in Hanoi at 1.50 am before taking off from Hanoi for Qingdao under flight SC4650 at 2.50 am on 18 January 2026 and touching down in Qingdao at 7.40 am.

Shandong Airlines flies daily to Hanoi from Qingdao with its B737-800 jet.

Shandong Airlines launches flights from Jinan to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on 15 and 16 January 2026

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


After Malaysia, Shandong Airlines is expanding its international flight network by inaugurating scheduled flights from Jinan to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City during the third week of January 2026. Shandong Airlines debuts scheduled flight to Hanoi on 15 January 2026 while its inaugural scheduled flight to Ho Chi Minh City follows on 16 January 2026.


On 15 January 2026, according to schedules, Shandong Airlines flight SC8071 departs from Jinan for Hanoi at 10.30 pm, touches down in Hanoi at 1.20 am on 16 January 2026 before leaving Hanoi under flight SC8072 for Jinan at 2.20 am and landing in Jinan at 7 am.


On 16 January 2026, Shandong Airlines flight SC8073 takes off from Jinan for Ho Chi Minh City at 8.25 pm, lands in Ho Chi Minh City at 12.30 am on 17 January 2026 before embarking on the return journey to Qingdao at 1.30 am and arriving in Jinan at 7.40 am under flight SC8074.


Shandong Airlines flies from Jinan to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and returns to Jinan on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with its B737-800 aircraft.

The Jinan=Hanoi and Jinan=Ho Chi Minh City routes are exclusive to Shandong Airlines.

Shandong Airlines launches flights to KLIA from Jinan and Qingdao on 9 and 10 January 2026

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


Shandong Airlines is launching new routes to Malaysia in January 2026.  On 9 January 2026, the airline opens the Jinan-KLIA route while on 10 January 2026, it becomes the second Chinese airline to launch scheduled flight from Qingdao Jiaodong Airport to KLIA in Sepang after Qingdao Airlines.


On 9 January 2026, Shandong Airlines flight SC8077 departs from Jinan for KLIA at 8.25 pm, touches down in KLIA at 3.05 am on 10 Januray 2026 before leaving KLIA for Jinan at 4.05 am and arriving in Jinan at 9.55 am under flight SC8078.


On 10 January 2026, Shandong Airlines flight SC4647 is scheduled to take off from Qingdao for KLIA at 8.25 pm, land in KLIA at 3.05 am on 11 January 2026 before departing under flight SC4648 for Qingdao at 4.05 am and touching down in Qingdao Jiaodong Airport at 9.55 am.

Shandong Airlines flies from both Jinan and Qingdao to KLIA daily with its 737 MAX 8 jets.

Hainan Airlines launches flight from Bo'ao to KLIA on 7 December 2025

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA




Hainan Airlines launches its first international flight from Bo'ao, Qionghai, to KLIA on 7 December 2025.

On 7 December 2025, according to schedules, Hainan Airlines flight HU497 takes off from Bo'ao for KLIA at 4.40 pm, touches down in KLIA at 8.10 pm before leaving KLIA for Bo'ao at 12.15 pm and arriving in Bo'ao at 3.25 pm under flight HU498.

Hainan Airlines flies between Bo'ao and KLIA with its B737-800 jet on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Bo'ao is the third airport of Hainan Province.

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Hainan Airlines launches flight from Hong Kong to Changchun on 16 December 2025

Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA




Hainan Airlines launches scheduled flight from Hong Kong to Changchun on 16 December 2025.

On 16 December 2025, according to schedules, Hainan Airlines flight HU7916 departs from Hong Kong for Changchun at 10.15 am, touches down in Changchun at 2.35 pm before leaving Changchun for Hong Kong at 3.35 pm and arriving in Hong Kong at 8.30 pm under flight HU7915.

Hainan Airlines flies between Hong Kong and Changchun on Tuesdays and Saturdays with its B737-800 aircraft.

Sunday, 16 November 2025

Hainan Airlines successfully completes its first A330neo commercial flight on 16 November 2025

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA     Image : Tao Ran


At 8.16 am on 16 November 2025, Hainan Airlines flight HU7382, operated by its brand-new Airbus A330-900 aircraft, took off from Beijing Capital International Airport for Haikou and successfully completing its maiden commercial flight and marking the official entry of Hainan Airlines' A330neo aircraft into service.

On 29 October 2025, local time in Toulouse, France, Hainan Airlines received a brand-new Airbus A330 aircraft. Upon arrival at Haikou Meilan International Airport, the aircraft was officially commissioned with a water salute, the highest level of civil aviation courtesy. Subsequently, the aircraft participated in the Airbus A330 family of new aircraft roadshow, visiting important hubs such as Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Shuangliu,and Beijing Capital International Airport.

The newly introduced Airbus A330 aircraft by Hainan Airlines has a total of 301 seats, including 24 business class seats and 277 economy class seats. To ensure a comfortable journey for passengers in all classes, the cabin layout features a 1-2-1 staggered arrangement in business class, ensuring direct access to the aisle for every passenger. This provides both convenience and privacy, while also allowing for greater freedom of movement. Economy class seats offer a 30-34 inch legroom, providing passengers with ample legroom. Notably, the economy class seats on Hainan Airlines' new A330 are domestically produced by the aviation industry, marking the first time domestically produced seats have been included in the selection criteria for mainstream international wide-body aircraft. 

Furthermore, Hainan Airlines' highly acclaimed "Dream Feather" cabin interior design has been fully implemented on this new Airbus A330 aircraft, creating a warm and soothing sensory experience through its color scheme, lighting, and materials. The aircraft is also equipped with industry-leading 4K ultra-high-definition screens, and all cabins support high-power USB-C ports and Bluetooth connectivity, comprehensively upgrading the entertainment and charging experience.

The new A330neo of Hainan Airlines has a maximum range increased by 700 nautical miles compared to its predecessor, providing the fleet with a more diverse range gradient and allowing for more flexible route planning and capacity allocation. In terms of operational economy and environmental performance, the new aircraft is highly aligned with Hainan Airlines' green and sustainable development philosophy. The new A330 is equipped with the next-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine, which, with its higher bypass ratio, reduces fuel consumption per unit thrust by more than 10%, correspondingly reducing carbon emissions. This plays a crucial supporting role in achieving environmental goals such as the Carbon Offset and Reduction Initiative in International Aviation (CORSIA). 

Furthermore, the engine employs advanced acoustic design, combined with a larger diameter fan and optimized air intakes and nozzles, resulting in a noise level reduction of more than 6 dB compared to its predecessor and a noise footprint reduction of nearly 50%. Simultaneously, the A330neo has been certified to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with a blend ratio of up to 50%, and is expected to support 100% SAF in the future, further reducing its life-cycle carbon footprint.

Recently, Hainan Airlines' A330neo aircraft is scheduled to initially operate two premium express routes: Beijing-Haikou HU7382, HU7281 and Beijing-Hangzhou HU7677, HU7678 (flight information subject to change). Passengers are welcome to experience these services. Subsequently, the new aircraft is expected to be deployed on approximately 15 key long-haul routes to Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East, continuously expanding and increasing the density of the "Air Silk Road" network. In addition, it will also serve Hainan Airlines' premium express routes and Free Trade Port express routes, further strengthening the efficient connection between international and domestic route networks.

Hainan Airlines currently operates nine premium express routes, covering flights between Beijing Capital and Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Haikou/Sanya/Changsha/Shanghai/Hangzhou/Chengdu/Chongqing. Hainan Airlines' premium express routes offer passengers a higher quality and more efficient travel experience through comprehensive service upgrades. Premium Express flights are primarily operated by wide-body aircraft with evenly distributed schedules to meet flexible travel needs. Dedicated check-in counters and security lanes are available at select airports, effectively reducing waiting time. The cabin service is warm and attentive, featuring regional specialty meals for a five-star flying experience. Premium Express also offers flexible ticket change policies, and Golden Wings members can enjoy exclusive benefits such as bonus qualifying segments and fast upgrades.

Hainan Airlines' A330-900 Haikou=Beijing Capital Flight Schedules (until 31 December 2025)

Flight HU7281 leaves Haikou for Beijing Capital at 1 pm, touches down in Beijing Capital at 4.30 pm before leaving Beijing Capital for Haikou at 8 am under flight HU7382 and arriving in Haikou at 11.50 am daily.

Hainan Airlines' A330-900 Beijing Capital=Hangzhou Flight Schedules (until 31 December 2025)

Flight HU7677 departs from Beijing Capital for Hangzhou at 5.45 pm, lands in Hangzhou at 7.55 pm before taking off under flight HU7678 at 9.10 pm and landing in Beijing Capital at 11.40 pm daily.

Vietjet Air adds Saturday flight to Phu Quoc from Changi from 3 January 2026

Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA


Viejet Air, that currently operates scheduled flights between Phu Quoc and Changi four times a week, is adding Saturday flight from 3 January 2026.

The Saturday return flight timings remain the same as the Friday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday flights, which is as follows:-

Flight VJ983 departs from Changi for Phu Quoc at 1.05 pm, touches down in Phu Quoc at 1.45 pm before leaving Phu Quoc for Changi at 3.45 pm and landing in Changi at 6.30 pm under flight VJ984.


From 6 January 2026 (Tuesday) and 8 January 2026 (Thursday), the same timing flights are added, which means that Vietjet Air will operateddaily flights between Changi and Phu Quoc from 8 January 2026.

Services are operated with Vietjet Air A320 SR aircraft.

Arkia Israel Airlines launches non-stop flight to Hanoi on 5 January 2026

 Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA       Image : Video Screenshot (spotter.tlv)


Arkia Israeli Airlines is creating the new page for Israel civil aviation history when it launches non-stop scheduled flight from Tel Aviv to Hanoi on 5 January 2026.

On 5 January 2026, according to Arkia's web-site, Arkia flight IZ595 departs from Tel Aviv for Hanoi at 12.05 am, is expected to touch down in Hanoi at 4.40 pm before leaving Hanoi for Tel Aviv at 7.40 pm under flight IZ596 and landing in Tel Aviv at 2.25 am on 6 January 2026.

Arkia Israeli Airlines flies to Hanoi with its leased A330-200 on Mondays.