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Banyan Tree marks Global Wellness Day with #ThisRightNow

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As it marked Global Wellness Day on Saturday, 14th June, Banyan Group flagship brand Banyan Tree launched its global call for wellness #ThisRightNow.

This initiative calls upon Banyan Tree’s guests throughout its properties worldwide to pause, breathe and reconnect with what truly matters. 

As such, it invites guests to step into presence through gentle rituals inspired by the wisdom of nature, local traditions and ancestral rhythms.

What different properties have in store

From desert valleys to coral reefs, sacred temples to snow-capped mountains, #ThisRightNow is brought to life through curated experiences across Banyan Tree’s sanctuaries around the world. 

Each moment is grounded in nature as shown by the following experiences:

  • Banyan Tree AlUla: Stargazing in the Ashar Valley evokes ancient constellations and desert stillness.
  • Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape: Temple blessings and astrological rituals reconnect guests with ancestral time.
  • Banyan Tree Lijiang: The silent majesty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain offers presence beyond words.
  • Banyan Tree Ringha: Himalayan valleys cradle guests in deep calm and spiritual reflection.
  • Banyan Tree Mayakoba: Sacred ruins whisper the wisdom of Maya civilisation.
  • Banyan Tree Dubai: The hydrothermal Rainforest Trail offers a sensorial inward return.
  • Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru: Rhythms beneath the sea awaken a deeper state of being.
  • Banyan Tree Phuket: Still lagoons and mangrove forests invite gentle introspection.
  • Banyan Tree Krabi: Coral-fringed shores and limestone cliffs create a space of coastal quiet.

Leading the way to wellness

As a pioneer in holistic wellbeing, Banyan Tree offers an evolving ecosystem of spa and wellbeing experiences designed for modern travellers. 

This includes thematic retreats, multi-day programmes, and a curated selection of wellbeing products guided by Banyan Group’s 8 Pillars of Wellbeing. 

Among the brand’s primary offerings are:

  • Banyan Tree Connections: a private wellbeing immersion for two integrating movement, mindfulness and shared rituals to nurture both inner balance and relational harmony. Offered as a supplement to any room reservation, the programme is currently available at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Banyan Tree Phuket, and will be launched at Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Banyan Tree Anji by the third quarter of this year.  
  • Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuary: Signature room categories complete with sleep rituals, nourishing cuisine, and destination-inspired daily practices.
  • Visiting Practitioners Programme: Intimate and restorative sessions led by global experts in nature-based healing. Featured in the second half of this year are Wim Hof Method instructor Laura Hof (Banyan Tree Dubai and Banyan Tree Phuket), sound healing and meditation practitioner Harriet Emily (Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru), and restorative yoga instructor Gabrielle Mendoza (Banyan Tree Phuket), with additional practitioners to be announced.

Beyond the resort, Banyan Tree likewise extends the invitation to everyday life. 

Through breathwork, sensory micro-rituals, and moments of still reflection, the brand encourages people everywhere to practice presence wherever they are. 

Guests are invited to share their personal pauses using #ThisRightNow, contributing to a growing collective of mindful experiences.

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AirAsia offers a significant fare discount for Malaysian media professionals

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AirAsia and the Malaysian Ministry of Communications have teamed up to offer an exclusive 50 percent base fare discount for return flights to 57 destinations across Asean for all registered Malaysian media members.

The discount was announced on Saturday, 14th June, as Malaysia marked its National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA).

This initiative celebrates the vital role journalists play in nation-building and also serves as a gesture of appreciation for the media’s relentless dedication to delivering stories that matter.

As the airline of choice for the Malaysian people, AirAsia holds deep respect for the media’s contribution to chronicling the airline’s growth and connecting its story to the world.

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A way of supporting regional unity

In line with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year, the offer also supports the broader goal of promoting regional unity, connectivity and cultural exchange.

With nearly a billion guests flown and one of the most comprehensive networks in the region, AirAsia remains committed to enabling easier access across Asean while supporting those who help shape the public narrative and foster greater understanding among neighbouring nations.

Capital A chief executive Tony Fernandes said: “When we first started 23 years ago with just two planes and a dream, it was the media who gave us a voice. You told our story, asked the tough questions, celebrated our wins, and stood by us through our toughest moments. We have made flying inclusive from flying 200,000 guests in our first year to now nearing one billion and all of this was made possible thanks to your support. This initiative also celebrates our joint efforts with the Ministry of Communications to honour the role of journalism in nation-building. This token of appreciation is not just from AirAsia, but from me to each of you the unsung heroes behind the headlines.”

During the same event, the airline also announced a special aircraft livery to honour prominent Malaysian journalists who have played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s media landscape and championing national narratives over the decades.

This visual tribute which will be launched towards the end of this year reflects the airline’s heartfelt appreciation for the enduring impact of Malaysian journalism and stands as a symbol of the close relationship between the media and the people they serve.

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StarCruises now the first to offer round-trip Vietnamese cruises to Singapore

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StarCruises celebrated the arrival of its vessel Star Voyager in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with  about 1,000 passengers from Singapore. 

From today, 13th June, Star Voyager will also offer Vietnamese travellers a 5 Day / 4 Night Cruise to Singapore during the Vietnamese school holidays with  additional departures on 17th and 21st June. 

The Star Voyager is the first cruise ship to offer Vietnamese round-trip cruises from a Vietnamese homeport. 

For the convenience of passengers, check-in will take place at the Tan Son Nhat Pavillon  Convention Center (202 Hoang Van Thu, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City),  where complimentary shuttle bus services will be available to transport guests to and from  Phu My Port for embarkation and disembarkation. 

Indeed, with all the amenities it offers on board, an unforgettable journey awaits aboard the Star Voyager, the latest addition to the StarCruises fleet. 

Having recently completed its US$50 million refurbishment, this stunning ship delivers a  truly unique cruise experience – seamlessly blending comfort with a wide array of updated  onboard amenities and the signature warmth of Asian hospitality.

A shot in the arm for regional tourism

With the ship’s arrival bringing about 1,000 inbound tourists who boarded from  Singapore, the Star Voyager will also welcome embarking passengers from Vietnam, further  boosting the outbound cruise tourism sector and the overall cruise industry. 

To commemorate  this special occasion, a grand inauguration ceremony was held on the Star Voyager at Phu My Port, attended by Do Phuoc Trung,deputy director of the Department of Culture,  Sports and Tourism of Ba Ria Vung Tau province; StarDream Cruises president Michael Goh, as well as representatives from key government and tourism  organizations. 

Goh said of the launch: “With the all-new StarCruises brand debuting in Vietnam, we are excited to have the Star  Voyager ready to sail from Ho Chi Minh City. This homeport and exclusive sailings are a key step in our vision to develop Vietnam  as a major cruise hub in Southeast Asia. Through this regional deployment, we aim to attract  diverse travellers and contribute to the growth of Vietnam’s cruise tourism and fly-cruise economy.” 

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WTTC: visitor spend in Indonesia could hit a record high this year

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New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) revealed that international traveller spending in Indonesia is on track to break all records this year.

When this happens, it will be proof that Indonesia is definitely a powerhouse when it comes to tourism in Southeast Asia.

Per WTTC’s Economic Impact Research (EIR) report for 2025, Indonesia’s international visitor spend is expected to reach an all-time high of IDR 344TN this year.

The total is almost 12 percent higher than the previous record set in 2019, marking a sharp increase from IDR 289.1 trillion in 2024.

In turn, this reflects renewed global confidence and rising demand for Indonesia’s diverse tourism offerings.

While international travel is taking off, domestic tourism also remains a powerful growth engine, reaching a record IDR 381.4 trillion as of press time.

An all-time high

This year, it is expected that the travel and tourism sectors will contribute an all-time high of IDR 1,269.8 trillion, practically 5.5 percent of the country’s GDP and a 21 percent increase over 2019 levels.

Employment is also expected to continue thriving, with Travel & Tourism forecast to support almost 14 million jobs nationwide.

WTTC President and chief executive Julia Simpson said: “Indonesia’s success story is no accident. It is the result of bold leadership, targeted investments and close collaboration between the private and public sectors.”

Simpson added that the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has charted a clear path for growth: one that prioritises sustainability, local communities and resilience. 

Paired with the ingenuity of Indonesia’s private sector, the result is a vibrant travel and tourism sector that generates employment and drives national prosperity by drawing in travellers from around the globe.

In 2024, the travel and tourism sectors contributed nearly IDR 1,138 trillion to the economy, accounting for 5.1 percent of the national economy, and almost 13 million jobs.

Ten-year forecast

Looking ahead, WTTC forecasts a transformative decade for tourism and travel in Indonesia. 

By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute IDR 1,897 trillion to the national economy.

Employment is set to grow to nearly 17 million jobs, with the creation of more than 3.2 million additional roles over the next ten years.

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To Wander the World is the newest member of the Advantage Travel Partnership

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Advantage Travel Partnership announced that homeworking agent To Wander the World is its newest member and is operating under its Advantage Managed Service (AMS) model.

To Wander the World is the brainchild of Stephanie Wightman who began the Wakefield-based business back in 2021.

Wightman began her career specialising in long-haul luxury travel and has built a reputation for creating high-end travel experiences.

Over the past 12 years, she has expanded her expertise to include family holidays, helping clients plan their getaways across various destinations.

Advantage Travel Partnership’s head of business development David Moon said of the new addition: “Stephanie has joined Advantage to access new opportunities for her business and broaden her customer offering. With the support of our network, we are confident she’ll continue to grow her business without limits. We’re pleased to have her as part of our growing community.”

Independence in spades

For her part, Wightman said: “Advantage Managed Services (AMS) suits To Wander The World as it allows me the independence to decide the direction of my business as it grows, whilst offering the support I need to focus on selling holidays.”

She added that she was nervous about taking the leap into starting her own travel business, but a solid background in the industry gave her the confidence to sell holidays independently. 

Wightman remarked: “The flexibility it offers is invaluable: I’m able to attend school events, take holidays when it suits my family, and truly design a lifestyle that works for us. Running your own business requires versatility; on any given day, I might be booking trips, managing accounts, or creating content for social media. If you have a clear vision and a passion for travel and service, getting started is more achievable than you might think.”

 

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Artists Manny Cabrera and Japeth Aguilar in the spotlight at Belmont Hotel Manila

The post Artists Manny Cabrera and Japeth Aguilar in the spotlight at Belmont Hotel Manila appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Belmont Hotel Manila has officially opened its sixth Hiraya Art Exhibit on Wednesday, 11th June.

This particular exhibition features the work of artists Manny Cabrera and Japeth Aguilar.

Titled Layers of Expression, the exhibition invites guests and art enthusiasts to experience a diverse range of stories told through color, texture, and imagination.

Belmont Hotel Manila’s director of operations Mayann Malapote said of the exhibition: “Hiraya continues to be a space where we celebrate Filipino creativity, and we hope this exhibit leaves guests inspired.”

Cluster general manager Sonny Alvaro added, “This is what Hiraya is about-giving artists a platform to tell their stories. It’s always exciting to see how each exhibit unfolds.”

The exhibition is located in the hotel’s lobby and will be open to the public until 31st August 2025.

Of dreams and aspirations

The term hiraya is a Filipino word that refers to dreams and aspirations taking form.

In this context, it aligns with Belmont Hotel Manila’s way of supporting and showcasing homegrown talent by giving them a platform on which to present the products of their imaginations.

Likewise it also serves as a means of telling compelling stories through the visual arts.

Meet the artists

Manny Cabrera, a contemporary artist from Pampanga, is known for his striking use of color and bold visual style. 

Cabrera’s work often draws from animation and surrealism, creating pieces that are both playful and thought-provoking. 

Joining him for this exhibition is Japeth Aguilar who shows a side of himself that is different from his public persona as a professional athlete.

Through Layers of Expression, Aguilar steps into the art world with deeply personal works that reveal a more introspective side that takes his skills and creativity well away from the hard court.

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Raffles Hotel Singapore celebrates Singapore’s 60th birthday in grand style

The post Raffles Hotel Singapore celebrates Singapore’s 60th birthday in grand style appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As it marks Singapore’s 60th birthday, Raffles Hotel Singapore invites guests to commemorate this momentous milestone with a curated collection of luxurious experiences. 

Honouring both the country’s storied past and its dynamic, modern spirit, these offerings reflect the elegance and enduring legacy of a hotel that has stood as a proud symbol of Singapore’s journey through its natural heritage.

As Singapore commemorates six decades of independence, Raffles Hotel Singapore invites all to take part in this meaningful celebration which is a harmonious fusion of art and wellness. 

Whether through bespoke stays, culinary explorations, restorative spa journeys or heritage retail experiences, the SG60 celebrations at Raffles offer guests a truly unforgettable way to honour the nation’s past while embracing its vibrant future.

A glorious stay at a Singaporean icon

At the heart of the celebrations is the SG60 Suite Vacay with Raffles: a thoughtfully curated two-night experience designed to create inspired and unexpected guest experiences. 

Available for stays from 1st June to 31st August, this luxurious retreat begins at S$1,260++ and invites guests to immerse themselves in a world of elegance and enchanted glamour where legendary service, exquisite heritage suites, and a sense of sophistication come together in the heart of the city.

Guests are invited to indulge in a host of bespoke privileges, including:

  • A complimentary second night
  • S$160 hotel credit
  • Daily a la minute breakfast experience with homemade pastries, curated charcuterie and a continental salad bar for two adults and two children (aged 12 years and below) at Tiffin Room
  • Refreshing Singapore Sling as welcome drink
  • Enlightening history tour with our Resident Historian
  • 15 percent savings at healing sanctuary Raffles Spa, exquisite Raffles Boutique & Floral Boutique
  • Complimentary access to hydrothermal facilities at Raffles Spa
  • Weekly wellness activities, designed to achieve a healthy and purposeful life

True to Raffles Hotel Singapore’s legacy of exceptional service, each stay is elevated by the impeccable butler service that ensures every detail is intuitively attended to.

As a celebratory flourish, the first 60 bookings will receive an additional S$600 hotel credit, a generous gesture to enhance every moment, whether through exceptional dining, restorative spa rituals, or retail discoveries to be made in guests’ own time and ways.

Dining with Singapore’s best

Complementing this extraordinary stay, guests are invited to embark on a gastronomic journey across Raffles Hotel Singapore’s acclaimed restaurants.

Each of these establishments thoughtfully honours the rich, multicultural tapestry of Singapore’s culinary heritage. 

As part of this commemorative experience, guests can enjoy a special dining privilege: for every two diners, the second dines at a special price of S$60++. 

This limited-time offer is available across a curated selection of distinctive dining experiences, including:

  • Butcher’s Block – IMUA lunch menu at S$178++ per guest
  • The Grand Lobby – Splendid Afternoon Tea experience at S$98++ per guest
  • yì by Jereme Leung – Selected set menus
    • Lunch Set Menu: S$98++ and S$128++
    • Dinner Set Menu: S$138++
  • Tiffin Room – Signature Mera Dabba dining experience at S$126++ (vegetarian) or S$142++ (non-vegetarian) per guest
  • Writers Bar – Sunday Brunch with Friends at S$168++ per guest

The art of rejuvenation

Beyond culinary delights, the SG60 celebrations at Raffles Hotel Singapore extend into the realms of wellness and retail indulgence. 

In honour of Singapore’s 60th birthday, those who spend S$500 or more at the spa will receive a S$60 voucher to enjoy on their next visit. 

Whether indulging in a rejuvenating massage, a revitalising facial, or a full day of pampering, guests can extend their wellness journey with a luxurious return experience.

Adding to the experience, Raffles Spa is also home to the newly launched Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez. 

Renowned as the “feet maestro,” Bastien Gonzalez brings over two decades of expertise as a trained podiatrist and pedicurist to deliver bespoke beauty treatments for hands and feet. 

His unique approach, which fuses health, well-being and beauty, promises a one-of-a-kind experience for guests’ feet, nails and hands.

Shopping for the finest that Singapore can offer

Additionally, Raffles Boutique invites guests to indulge in a special SG60 retail promotion where shoppers will enjoy 20 percent off when selecting any three items from the SG60 Gourmet Corner, a specially curated selection of artisanal gourmet offerings available at the boutique.

Located at the restored Raffles Arcade and fronting the Seah Street entrance, Raffles Boutique provides an intricate retail experience that transports visitors back in time. 

Embracing both luxury and heritage, the boutique features a collection of well-loved souvenirs, elegant home décor, and curated gourmet products, all set amidst a heritage gallery that represents the human illustrious history of Raffles Hotel Singapore which has been a national icon for over a century.

Shoppers can explore a thoughtfully curated range of meaningful mementos that celebrate the heritage and charm of Raffles Hotel Singapore. 

Highlights include the Raffles Premium Coffee Blend Powder/Bean, Pandan Kaya Cookies, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Singapore Chilli Crab, and Bah Kut Teh. 

Each item is crafted to capture the sophistication and storied legacy of Raffles in its own distinctive way.

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Hong Kong earns plaudits for Muslim-friendly tourism

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The Hong Kong SAR is gaining traction as a warmly welcoming, affordable, and safe destination for Muslim travellers from Southeast Asia and beyond.

The Chinese special autonomous region was recently ranked third among halal destinations outside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in CrescentRating and Mastercard’s 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025.

This is a step up for Hong Kong from last year when it was ranked in fourth place.

Hong Kong was also ranked second globally in the Muslim Women Friendly Travel Destination (Non-OIC) category and made its debut in first place on the new Muslim-friendly Accessible Travel Destination (Non-OIC) sub-index.

These escalations in rank reflects Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to make travel more inclusive and convenient for Muslim visitors of all needs and backgrounds.

The rankings are based on each destination’s performance in the annual GMTI, highlighting Hong Kong’s leadership and commitment to Muslim-friendly travel.

A promising destination for Muslim travellers

In addition to its strong performance in the GMTI rankings, Hong Kong also won the title of Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year. 

Reflecting this growing appeal, visitor arrivals from Singapore rose by 12.7 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, with overnight stays increasing by 7.5 percent.

This is a clear sign of rising demand for Hong Kong’s Muslim-friendly experiences. 

Further cementing its commitment, several Hong Kong establishments have also been recognised for their excellence in enhancing the Muslim travel experience, including:

  • Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
  • Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year: The Mira Hong Kong
  • Muslim-friendly Attraction of the Year: Ngong Ping 360 Limited
  • Muslim-friendly Convention & Exhibition Centre of the Year: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

A strong commitment to inclusivity

In light of these achievements, Hong Kong is deepening its commitment to inclusive and halal-conscious tourism, led by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and supported by the government. 

Efforts include expanding the number of hotels participating in CrescentRating (CR) accreditation, which evaluates key Muslim-friendly services such as halal food availability and prayer facilities. 

At the same time, the city is actively improving access to halal-certified restaurants and lifestyle experiences that cater to modern Muslim travellers. 

At present, the city now has 193 Halal-certified and Muslim-owned eateries and 61 hotels have obtained an accreditation rating from CR, which is a testament to the availability of Muslim-friendly facilities at the hotels.

According to HKTB regional director for Southeast Asia Liew Chian Jia: “Since our Muslim-friendly push, HKTB has seen an increasing interest and participation in CR’s accreditation program among the Hong Kong stakeholders. To support this initiative within the Southeast Asia region, we have rolled out a dedicated Muslim campaign named Jelajah Hong Kong that showcases Muslim-friendly experiences for ease of trip planning. We will continue efforts to elevate Hong Kong’s position as a popular Muslim-friendly destination.”

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Does the global aviation sector need to retool its flight safety measures?

The post Does the global aviation sector need to retool its flight safety measures? appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

While global aviation has recovered significantly since travel restrictions began to be relaxed in 2022, the sector is feeling the strain following several high-visibility incidents that have shaken passengers the world over.

Just yesterday, we saw the crash of Air India Flight 171 just minutes after takeoff on its way to London; in April, American Airlines Flight 5342 fatally collided with a US Army helicopter over the Potomac River.

Yesterday’s incident also brought back the harrowing memory of the Jeju Air crash landing towards the end of 2024, particularly because both ill-fated flights were operated with Boeing aircraft.

But regardless of which aerospace manufacturers produced their aircraft, airlines throughout the globe see these incidents as a wake-up call when it comes to beefing up their safety measures and protocols.

Syncing professional associations

In a November 2024 report that was updated in January of this year, Austrian consultancy Skylift Aviation pointed out that global harmonisation of aviation safety standards was something that various organisations need to take seriously.

This would, for example, involve collaboration on the part of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to align safety frameworks across countries. 

Such measures include initiatives like ICAO’s Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) which emphasises data-driven decision-making, proactive risk management, as well as safety performance improvements.

Through similar proactive measures already in place, ICAO noted a reduction in global air accident rates in 2022 to around 2.6 per one million departures compared to the 4.2 per million seen in 2013.

Pattern identification matters

Another key measure that airlines and aerospace firms need to look into is being able to identify flaw patterns in aircraft through data collection and analysis.

Through systems like the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing programme, stakeholders rely on comprehensive data collection and analyses in order to identify risks well before they turn into critical issues.

Indeed, the use of real-time data from Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems has been a great help towards the development of preventive strategies which have enabled airlines to take a proactive approach regarding potential issues.

All too human

However, no matter how much airlines and airports invest in cutting-edge technologies, it cannot be denied that up to 80 percent of all aviation accidents were caused by human error.

Indeed, in a 2019 piece for the International Airport Review, AVCON chief executive Wayne Anaka remarked: “We know what to do but somehow the system is not working. It is not that the accountants ignore the cost. It is not because senior management does not put a focus on costs. It is not that front-line management and workers do not care. So, what is going wrong?”

He went on to list five key factors that have led to disastrous error on the part of staff both on the ground and in the air:

  1. Staff shortages have led to an overworked team whose fatigue on both physical and mental levels has led to critical errors of judgement. This was true well before the pandemic, but even truer now given the way airport and airline staff are wearing themselves out;
  2. There were training deficiencies caused by high turnover and instructors struggled to keep up. Even now, there is a shortage of qualified trainers and safety training materials need a major revision;
  3. Many accidents are the result of key personnel breaking critical rules, something that was driven to a lack of oversight in key areas;
  4. Prior to the pandemic, a number of airlines and airports pushed for on-time performance, and supervisors under pressure would end up cutting corners, particularly where safety was concerned; and
  5. This “bottom-line” mentality where profit was given higher priority than either safety or customer satisfaction led to cost-cutting in terms of employee wages, safety measures, and equipment maintenance, essentially brewing a perfect storm leading to accidents.

What now?

Anaka said that the problem is that both airlines and airports have focused on the wrong things, thus compromising the safety of passengers, staff, and aircraft.

In which case, he saw a need for these establishments to examine the root causes behind incidents, including poor communication; lack of respect; lack of discipline; and slack enforcement of safety protocols.

But while addressing the issues behind human errors in aviation is certainly important, would it be possible for technology to replace human workers in terms of aviation safety in order to prevent future accidents?

The answer is not a cut and dried yes or no; nor will we see a tangible answer within the near future.

In a February 2025 interview with Al-Jazeera, Airport AI Exchange’s chief officer for artificial intelligence Amad Malik said: “When it comes to aviation, there’s a lot of advancement in AI, even though a lot of that has not trickled through to commercial aviation because of the processes and certification. The way the regulations are set up is that years and years of data are required before you can use anything in the commercial landscape. What we do have right now is something that started in the 1960s!”

Despite this rather pessimistic point of view, LYTE Aviation’s founder and chief executive Freshta Farzam pointed out that developers are already doing a lot with regard to the application of AI in aviation safety, and there is a great deal more already in the pipeline.

Farzam said: “AI is already playing a crucial role in reducing aviation accidents and loss of life by improving situational awareness, predictive maintenance and decision-making processes. In air traffic control and collision avoidance, AI is helping out tremendously.”

How could AI make aviation safer?

Innovative technologies like AI will certainly be instrumental in revolutionising aviation safety the world over.

To date, there are already a number of advancements that have been put to practical use both aboard aircraft and with ground control.

These include:

  • Predictive Maintenance: AI systems can monitor aircraft health in real-time, identifying issues before they lead to costly delays. This helps airlines minimize downtime and save millions on maintenance costs;
  • Autonomous Flight Systems: Advances in AI are enhancing autopilot technology, moving us closer to fully autonomous commercial flights. New AI models improve in-flight decision-making and optimize routes with less human input; and
  • Air Traffic Management: AI improves air traffic control by analyzing real-time data, reducing congestion and enhancing flight safety. More efficient airspace management could significantly decrease delays.

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Embraer releases 2025 market outlook report

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Ahead of the Paris Air Show next week, Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer released Market Outlook 2025, its annual 20-year forecast for commercial aircraft deliveries in the sub-150-seat category. 

Market Outlook 2025 estimates 10,500 orders for new jets and turboprops through 2044, and also presents analyses of global influences and trends in seven world regions that impact the demand for new aircraft. 

Because of its growing prominence in commercial aviation, statistics for China are detailed separately in this year’s Market Outlook for the first time.

The document also analyses demand for cargo aircraft, including a forecast for passenger-to-freighter conversions.

Not quite status quo

The overall forecast for the number of new sub-150-seat aircraft remains almost unchanged from Embraer’s previous estimate. 

Arjan Meijer, Embraer president and CEO of commercial aviation, attributes the consistency of the estimate to the longevity of social, supply chain, and geopolitical trends Embraer identified during the pandemic.

He said: “Five years after the onset of the pandemic, many of the structural changes it triggered have proven to be quite long lasting. In our first post-pandemic Market Outlook, we highlighted the transition from globalization to a more polarized geopolitical outlook. Today, as countries and regions pursue greater strategic autonomy, the demand for regional access will continue to grow.

Meijer added that the company believes that mixed fleets that combine small and large narrowbody aircraft are essential for that long-term growth. 

Indeed, these would provide the versatility needed to better match capacity with demand, expand networks, and support national and regional development goals.

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