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    Royal Brunei Airlines Orders Four Boeing 787 Dreamliners

    Boeing and Royal Brunei Airlines have announced the airline’s purchase of four 787 Dreamliners to renew its widebody fleet. Royal Brunei Airlines’ selection of the 787-9 supports the airline’s long-term growth strategy, sustainability goals and focus on passenger comfort.“The forthcoming arrival of the 787-9 Dreamliner symbolizes a bold step forward in our ongoing journey toward innovation and excellence,” said Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines. “Royal Brunei Airlines has been operating the 787-8 for the last 10 years and this order will ensure we continue with a product that our customers have come to enjoy. In our constant effort to offer unparalleled service matched with the highest safety standards to our guests, the new fleet will allow us the potential to tap into new growth areas, strengthening our market appeal and enabling us to provide a superior travel experience to our guests.”
    Royal Brunei Airlines was the first Southeast Asian carrier to fly the 787 Dreamliner over a decade ago. With this 787-9 order, which was finalized in February and will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries, the airline can fly more passengers and cargo farther while operating more efficiently.
    “By renewing its investment in the 787 Dreamliner, Royal Brunei Airlines will continue to connect Brunei with the world while offering the carrier’s signature service and comfort to passengers,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “The 787-9 will deliver the versatility, efficiency and range that Royal Brunei Airlines desires to pursue increasing air travel and tourism opportunities.”
    Royal Brunei Airlines currently operates five 787-8s, serving destinations in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom. The 787-9, which can carry nearly 20% more passengers than the 787-8 and fly 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), will support the carrier’s growing capacity needs on these medium- and long-haul routes.
    Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts 6.9% annual fleet growth and nearly 4,300 airplanes will be delivered in Southeast Asia over the next 20 years. Royal Brunei Airlines’ latest 787 order highlights growing widebody demand in Southeast Asia.ADVERTISEMENTEnhanced comfort features of the 787 family include air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, as well as technology that counters turbulence. The 787 Dreamliner family also reduces fuel use and emissions by up to 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.
    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity

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    Thai Airways Announce Order for 45 787 Dreamliners to Grow Fleet and Network

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    Thai Airways Announce Order for 45 787 Dreamliners to Grow Fleet and Network

    Boeing and Thai Airways announced today the flagship carrier placed an order for 45 787 Dreamliners as the airline looks to modernize and grow its widebody fleet and international network. Thai Airways selected the 787-9 to support its long-term strategy to renew and expand its fleet with more efficient jets, as well as open new routes to support high demand for air travel across Southeast Asia.“To accomplish our company’s and the national carbon neutral goals by 2050, the 45 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be equipped with GEnx engines, which are known for their cutting-edge technology and reduced environmental impact,” said Chai Eamsiri, Thai Airways CEO. “Furthermore, we are confident that the acquisition of the 787 Dreamliners will ultimately benefit our customers and support the growth of our country’s economy.”
    Thai Airways flies widebody jets ─ including 777s and 787s ─ to nearly 60 domestic and international destinations, including the Middle East, Asia and Europe. With more 787-9s in their fleet, the airline will operate more efficiently, as the Dreamliner family reduces fuel use and emissions by up to 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.
    “Thai Airways’ strategic investment in the 787 Dreamliner builds on our long-standing partnership and signifies the airline’s commitment to operate a modern, efficient and flexible fleet,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “This order will support Thai Airways’ ability to meet demand, foster tourism and trade, and create further opportunities for this carrier.”
    The order, which was finalized in December 2023, was listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website. Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook for Southeast Asia projects that the region’s widebody fleet will see a three-fold increase over 20 years, with growing demand for nearly 800 airplanes including passenger jets such as Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner family and 777X, as well as freighter models.
    At 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8, the 787-9 will enable Thai Airways to fly nearly 20% more passengers farther and build on routes first opened by the 787-8. Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 390 new nonstop routes around the world.ADVERTISEMENTBoeing’s partnership with Thai Airways and support of the country’s aviation industry span more than 60 years. Boeing’s presence in Thailand includes offices in Bangkok and support for important causes including STEM education, programs for people with disabilities and sustainable livelihood through permaculture methods.
    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

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    THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS NOMINATED FOR 8 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

    Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to announce that the Turks and Caicos Islands has once again been nominated in multiple categories in the World Travel Awards.The nominations for the 2024 Awards are in the following categories:
    Caribbean’s Leading Beach DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Cruise DestinationCaribbean’s Leading DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Dive DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Honeymoon DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Luxury Island DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Tourist BoardCaribbean’s Most Romantic Destination
    Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Josephine Connolly said she is very pleased that the Turksand Caicos Islands have once again been nominated for several World Travel Awards.“The Turks and Caicos Islands stand as an unparalleled jewel in the Caribbean and these eightnominations testify to that. We won the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination and the MostRomantic Destination Awards in 2023 and I am certain we can not only retain those accoladesbut also emerge as winners in the other categories. I urge everyone to spread the word about ournominations and vote, vote, vote,” she said.
    The Turks and Caicos Islands has won the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination every singleyear since 2015 and our world-renowned Grace Bay Beach captured the Best Beach Award from2012 to 2014. The destination has celebrated wins as the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destinationfor five consecutive years.
    Voting is now open and runs until April 7th, 2024. To vote, please register athttps://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote. Please note that a standard vote carries a weighting ofone while votes cast by verified travel professionals carry a weighting of two.ADVERTISEMENT

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    The world’s richest horse race to be staged in Saudi Arabia

    The world’s most valuable horse race will be staged this week with the Saudi Cup 2024 set to be bigger than ever.
    The King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh will host two days of action from Friday, building up to the main Saudi Cup race on Saturday.The main race is the richest in the horse racing event in the world, with a purse of $20m (£15.86m) on offer.
    “It is, without doubt, the most significant event in the history of horse racing in Saudi Arabia, and demonstrates our resolve to develop this great sport,” HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid al-Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said after launching the event.
    “And also our ambition to become a leading player on horse racing’s world stage.”Described as one of the Saudi capital’s social events of the season, the Saudi Cup weekend begins on Friday 23 February with an eight-race opening day.
    Seven men and seven women will vie for the Invest Saudi International Jockey Challenge trophy across four races. Saudi Cup race night is even bigger, with some of the world’s top thoroughbreds set to race in the main event on Saturday at the close of a nine-race session.ADVERTISEMENTThe race is placed in the calendar directly between the Pegasus World Cup in Florida and Dubai World Cup, with the four-week interval between each race allowing horses to compete. It also comes in the thick of the build-up to the Cheltenham Festival, one of the tentpole events in the British racing calendar.Upgraded to Group 1 status before the 2022 edition, last year’s Saudi Cup was won by Panthalassa, with the Japanese horse taking victory in its retirement season with jockey Yutaka Yoshida guiding him home.
    Plenty of big names are expected to be watching on at King Abdulaziz Racetrack to see who succeeds the Yoshito Yahagi-trained horse, with a number top sporting stars now plying their trade in Saudi Arabia.
    Investment in the country’s Saudi Pro League has brought in a number of top footballers, with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo often spotted taking in some of the other sporting pursuits on offer, and ex-Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema another famous face contracted to a Saudi club.
    The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has also invested in Newcastle United and established the LIV Golf Series, while the World Snooker Tour recently announced a new ranking event in the nation that will be open to all 128 players with tour cards.
    Source: https://www.aol.com/

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    Visit Maldives Invites Participation for MATTA 2024 to Boost Southeast Asian Tourism

    Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has announced the opening of participation for MATTA 2024 which is held for Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region from 22-24 March 2024. The participation opportunities are limited in consideration to the space available in the event.
    Visit Maldives aims to showcase Maldives as the most preferred holiday destination in the Southeast Asian region, highlighting our rich culture and heritage during this three-day event. Aligned with our strategies to strengthen the Maldives brand and destination presence, Visit Maldives aims to engage with key travel trade partners in the market to elevate the impact of Maldives tourism industry. MMPRC’s participation in MATTA provides significant opportunities to promote halal tourism, targeting travellers in this market. Additionally, the Maldives stand this year incorporates semi-private meeting tables instead of counters with a variety of exciting features.
    The Malaysian market holds immense potential for the Maldives. In the previous year, it ranked 26th as a source market with a notable 13,551 arrivals. Participation in this fair presents an excellent opportunity to further boost arrivals from this region and achieve significant growth.
    Interested tourism industry companies who would like to take part in this event with Visit Maldives can participate via our Members Portal (members.visitmaldives.com) before 1500 hours on Wednesday, 28th February 2024. Please ensure that membership renewal/registration for 2024 is completed to be eligible for participation.

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    Brussels Airport’s Green Leap: Doubling Solar Energy Capacity to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

    As an airport operator, Brussels Airport aims to eliminate CO2 emissions completely by 2030. The airport is investing in more green energy, including solar energy. The newest buildings in the western section of the cargo zone are currently being fitted with a large number of solar panels, covering a total surface area of 65,000 m². Half of the solar power will be used by Brussels Airport, increasing its own energy supply through solar energy from 4% to 9%. The other half is to be used by partners in this zone.
    The installation work fitting the newest buildings in the cargo zone with solar panels started at the end of January. This concerns the buildings where Kuehne+Nagel, Worldwide Flight Services, Expeditors, Swissport and Herfurth are housed. Some 65,000 m² in solar panels is to be installed, accounting for a total of 7,300 megawatt hour in green power. This is equivalent to the consumption of some 2,100 households.
    “This new solar panel project is a major step in our ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions. It doubles the solar energy for our own use as an airport operator and also allows us to provide locally generated green power to our cargo partners. Thereby enabling them too to further reduce their own carbon emissions.”, explains Brussels Airport Company CEO Arnaud Feist.
    At present, the current solar farms at the airport provide 4% of the power consumed by Brussels Airport. These additional solar panels will substantially ramp up this share to 9% of the energy supply, with Brussels Airport using just half of what these new solar panels will be generating. The other half will be available to the cargo partners, so that they too will have opportunity to use the solar energy generated at the cargo zone.
    Brussels Airport Company has been carbon neutral for its own emissions as an airport operator since 2018. Last year, it was decided to drastically accelerate the airport’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon, from 2050 to 2030. Solar energy is an important element in achieving this ambition and this is a first concrete realisation to achieve that goal. Other potential locations for additional solar panels are still being explored. This first new installation should be ready by late May, so this green energy will be available come June. The ambition is to achieve 27 MWp, which yields about 24,000 megawatt hours per year, by 2027.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Spring Skiing Unpacked

    Iglu Ski has researched the top destinations for skiing in France in April, and today confirms the top 8 in the country.
    The team has multiplied the total number of bluebird (sunny) days with the average weekly snowfall (based on historical snowfall data*) to derive an April skiing score for each of the most popular French ski resorts.The results show that Chamonix is top of the league for skiing in France in April.

    Here’s how to get there: Iglu Ski offers 7 nights from £1,109 (was £1,268) per person based on two sharing a twin room with valley view, on half board at the 4* Hotel Les Aiglons, Chamonix, France, departing on April 6, 2024 from Manchester (+£100 Gatwick; +£100 Glasgow; +£100 Stansted; +£100 Birmingham; +£129 Leeds Bradford;  +£169 Newcastle) and including transfers.
    1. Chamonix – scores 173.6 ADVERTISEMENTAverage weekly sunny days
    6.2
    Average weekly snowfall
    28cm
    Resort height: 1035m
    Highest lift: 3777m
    Average April snow depth: 119cm
    Closing date: Early May
    When it comes to sun and snow, Chamonix and its surrounding areas is the clear winner, offering not just an average 28cm of fresh powder per week, but a glorious 6.2 days of sun, 2.5 of which are bluebird powder days.
    This traditional Alpine town is home to France’s oldest ski resort, and thanks to its lively après scene, it’s especially popular with off-pisters who like to unwind after a day of laying fresh tracks in the backcountry.
    Advanced skiers will particularly enjoy Argentiere, which boasts mainly north-facing slopes that are open until early May, and Les Praz, which offers lift access to Chamonix’s more challenging runs.
    2. Les Deux Alpes –  scores 169
    Average weekly sunny days
    6.5
    Average weekly snowfall
    26cm
    Resort height: 1651m
    Highest lift: 3600m
    Average April snow depth: 87cm
    Closing date: Last week of April
    Straddling two glorious peaks, the appropriately-named Les Deux Alpes really does offer something for everyone. Across its 200km of slopes, you’ll find excellent beginner routes, especially up on the glacier, as well as world-class freestyle and off-piste opportunities.
    With mostly south-facing slopes, you’ll be able to make the most of the spring sunshine, whilst also enjoying its reliable snowfall.
    3. Les Arcs – scores 147.2
    Average weekly sunny days
    6.4
    Average weekly snowfall
    23cm
    Resort height: Arc 2000, Arc 1950, and Arc 1800 are the highest resort levels
    Highest lift: 3250m
    Average April snow depth: 204cm
    Closing date: Late April
    All linked by the Vanoise Express – an impressive double decker cable car – and an efficient transport network, Les Arcs and the Paradiski area offers a generous 425km of pistes, great for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
    If you want maximum convenience, opt to stay in the popular Les Arcs 1800 village, with ski-in-ski-out chalets, great restaurants and plenty of family-friendly activities. The altitude promises snow, and there’s outstanding scenery to enjoy on those bluebird days.
    4. La Rosière – scores 103
    Average weekly sunny days
    4.7
    Average weekly snowfall
    22cm
    Resort height: 1850m
    Highest lift: 2800m
    Average April snow depth: 164cm
    Closing date: Mid-April
    If you’re planning an Easter holiday trip, La Rosière is perfect for families. This quieter, relatively small resort forms the San Bernardo ski area with La Thuile in Italy, offering mostly nursery, blue and red runs across its 160km of slopes.
    La Rosière has a great track record for snow all season and thanks to the lack of crowds, the powder doesn’t get as churned up as other French resorts, making it a great choice for an April ski holiday.
    5. La Plagne – scores 81.6
    Average weekly sunny days
    4.8
    Average weekly snowfall
    17cm
    Resort height: 2100m
    Highest lift: 3250m
    Average April snow depth: 162cm
    Closing date: Late April
    La Plagne is the quieter, often cheaper, and more family-friendly part of the Paradiski area. Catering to all abilities, there’s challenging terrain to be found up near the glacier, while wide blues and reds across the rest of the resort keep intermediates and beginners happy.
    While there’s après to be found, jump on the Vanoise Express to Les Arcs if you’re after some proper early afternoon partying (the Folie Douce starts bouncing from lunch time), and to enjoy the full 425km of slopes.
    Just make sure you return to Peisey Vallandry in time for the last Vanoise Express lift back to La Plagne.
    6. Alpe d’Huez – scores 80
    Average weekly sunny days
    4
    Average weekly snowfall
    20cm
    Resort height: 1850m
    Highest lift: 3300m
    Average April snow depth: 95cm
    Closing date: Mid-April
    With an average 300 days of sunshine per year, 249km of south-facing slopes, and an impressive altitude, Alpe d’Huez is a great April ski destination for sun-seekers. It offers runs for all abilities, as well as 4 snow parks for the freestyle-inclined, and a fantastic selection of bars, restaurants, cinemas, and more.
    7. Val d’Isère – scores 74.4
    Average weekly sunny days
    2.4
    Average weekly snowfall
    31cm
    Resort height: 1850m
    Highest lift: 3450m
    Average April snow depth: 276cm
    Closing date: Early May
    Val d’Isère offers a vast 300km ski area, great snow year round and a buzzing après scene. A pretty Alpine town, its reputation as a high-end ski destination is deserved, but there’s still a variety of accommodation on offer and good deals to be found.
    Val d’Isère is linked to the even loftier (and therefore often cloudier) resort of Tignes, which is more beginner friendly and tends to be more affordable. With the lower slopes in Val d’Isère getting quite slushy and mogul-heavy towards the end of the day, head up high to enjoy the best of the April conditions.
    8. Val Thorens – scores 63.8
    Average weekly sunny days
    2.9
    Average weekly snowfall
    22cm
    Resort height: 2300m
    Highest lift: 3230m
    Average April snow depth: 183cm
    Closing date: Early May
    As it stands, Val Thorens comes in at number 8, thanks to its fantastic snow record but not so great clear skies – fair weather skiers will likely need to weigh up powder vs visibility here. A vast ski area with plentiful high altitude skiing, in addition to an abundance of bars and things to do, Val Thorens really is the full package.
    Gordon Ritter, Head of Product and Commercial at Iglu Ski says, ‘With generous snow falls, plenty of sunny weather, vibrant nightlife, a variety of slopes and freestyle fun, there’s something for everyone across the 8 featured resorts. It means that if you are planning an April skiing trip to France, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to deciding on where to go.
    If you are less concerned about the sun and more concerned about the snow conditions, you may wish to look at Val Thorens and Tignes – France’s highest resorts. They receive a fantastic amount of fresh snow in April, however are less sunny, making them less attractive to fair weather skiers.
    Do remember that April skiing can vary from season to season and low altitude slopes can be unreliable when it comes to snow conditions. However, venture a bit further up, or head to the glaciers or north-facing slopes and you’re sure to find fantastic spring skiing’. 

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    Launch of ‘GoNexus Group’ marks start of new era for NexusTours to become global

    In a historic moment at the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun during the 25th-anniversary celebration, NexusTours proudly announced a transformative change in its structure and brand identity. The event, which marked a quarter-century of success and innovation, has become the stage for the introduction of GoNexus Group and its three dynamic sub-brands to support global expansion.As the company embarks on the next phase of its journey, the unveiling of GoNexus Group represents a strategic move towards a cohesive brand architecture. GoNexus Group will serve as the overarching parent brand, and will go to market with a collection of best-in-class solutions, each with a clear proposition and market focus that meets the needs of its growing and diverse guests and partners globally. The business lines reshaping the landscape will be:Nexus Tours: Elevating DMC Services – Nexus Tours, the longstanding Destination Management Company (DMC), will continue to be the cornerstone of the receptive services and product sourcing. With a legacy of excellence, Nexus Tours remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences across 19 countries and 52 destinations, managing 3 million travellers annually.Nexus Cube:  Experiences and Mobility Marketplace – Nexus Cube emerges as the gateway for B2B partners to access a spectrum of experiences and mobility Marketplace products and bespoke tech solutions. This platform underscores GoNexus Group’s commitment to leveraging technology while ensuring a personalised approach, offering tailored solutions for over 1,000 B2B partners, with product in 140 countries and 6,600 destinations.Nexus Lab: Catalyst for Innovation – Nexus Lab will be a dedicated brand for innovation and the development of cutting-edge products, consultancy, and technological solutions to travel partners. Nexus Lab embodies the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements, driving innovation, and shaping the future of travel experiences.Rubén Gutiérrez, President of GoNexus Group, expressed, “Our 25th anniversary is not merely a reflection on our past, but a preview of the dynamic future we are shaping. The introduction of GoNexus Group and its sub-brands underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence in service, and the profound impact we aspire to make in the ever-evolving travel industry. This is not just a celebration; it’s a declaration of our dedication to creating extraordinary travel experiences that resonate globally.”In line with its ambitious global expansion focus, driven by its visionary approach and the introduction of its innovative brands, GoNexus Group is poised to elevate the travel experience across borders. Currently operating in 140 countries and spanning 6,600 destinations, the company is at the forefront of redefining the travel landscape. With an extensive array of offerings, including 30,000 mobility options, 92,000 diverse experiences, and 100,000 car rental services, GoNexus Group has positioned itself as a comprehensive travel solutions provider. Managing the travel needs of more than 3 million travellers annually, the company’s global reach is further accentuated by its collaboration with more than 1,000 travel partners (B2B partners) worldwide. This strategic expansion not only underscores GoNexus Group’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of travellers but also reinforces its status as a global leader in the travel and tourism sector.

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