The post AirAsia launches two direct routes connecting Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to Pontianak in West Kalimantan, Indonesia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) reaffirmed its position as the airline with the largest network between Malaysia and Indonesia by launching two new direct routes connecting Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to Pontianak, the capital city of West Kalimantan, Indonesia with AirAsia as the only airline operating international flights to the city starting 12 September 2025.

This expansion follows AirAsia’s rapid growth in Indonesia including the recent launch of the Kuala Lumpur-Palembang route in July and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur-Semarang in September. With the introduction of Pontianak, AirAsia Malaysia will operate to a total of 17 destinations in Indonesia through 223 weekly flights between the two countries, solidifying its position as the airline with the widest network serving Indonesia.

The launch of these new routes strengthens regional connectivity and supports both government targets, including Malaysia’s goal to attract 4.3 million Indonesian tourists in 2025 and Sarawak’s target of five million visitor arrivals by year-end. It also aims to contribute to Indonesia’s national target of 16 million international arrivals with Malaysia remaining one of its top source markets.

The new routes were unveiled during the Sarawak Travel Fair organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board in Pontianak, which was officially launched by the Governor of West Kalimantan Bapak Drs. Ria Norsan.

Bapak Drs. Ria Norsan, West Kalimantan Governor said: “We are delighted with AirAsia’s decision to further connect West Kalimantan with Kuala Lumpur and Kuching. These new direct routes will not only facilitate easier access for travellers but also bolster trade, investment and tourism flows. West Kalimantan stands ready to welcome more Malaysian visitors while providing convenient access for Indonesians seeking business opportunities, leisure travel and medical services in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur.”

Azizul Zekri bin Abd Rahim, Consul of Malaysia in Pontianak said: “This new connectivity marks a pivotal moment in fostering stronger bilateral ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly West Kalimantan. With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, this expansion comes at the perfect moment to further boost tourism, foster cultural exchange and enhance regional ties between both nations. It will ease the movement of people, stimulate bilateral business growth and offer cultural enrichment between both countries.”

Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, AirAsia Malaysia CEO said: “As the low-cost airline with the widest international network operating in Indonesia, we are proud to further expand our extensive network with these direct connections to Pontianak. The strong demand for travel between Malaysia and West Kalimantan has driven us to enhance connectivity, making it easier and more affordable for people to travel for business, tourism and medical purposes. By launching flights from our main hub in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, we are providing greater convenience and flexibility for our guests, while contributing to the tourism growth and economic development of both Malaysia and Indonesia.”

Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, Sarawak Tourism Board CEO said: “Sarawak’s increasing demand, particularly in health tourism, makes this direct route even more valuable for Indonesians seeking affordable, quality healthcare. Previously, travellers had to transit through Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur leading to longer hours and higher cost. This new route Kuching-Pontianak connection will help drive visitor growth, create new business opportunities and further strengthen Sarawak’s role as the gateway to Borneo. It is a win-win for both sides of the border. The people of Kalimantan and Sarawak deserve seamless connectivity and the prospect of mutual growth.”

 

 

 

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The post Tan: On Singapore MICE today and beyond appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

“I truly, truly believe in our MICE sector,” was the reassuring statement with which Singaporean Minister of Trade and Industry / National Development Alvin Tan greeted those assembled for the Singapore MICE Awards 2025 held on Thursday, 24th July, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

Tan said: “I’ve been here many years; but I truly, truly believe in our MICE sector. When I first started in office, I was assigned the portfolio for the MICE sector and it was a very, very different thing in a very, very different environment during the depths of COVID.”

The minister lauded how the sector has had a renaissance over the past couple of years, and its turnaround is a solid testament to the efforts of sectoral professionals and the talent inherent in the industry.

Given how this year’s Singapore MICE Forum centred around the theme What’s Next, Tan first called on the audience to reflect on what was going on in the present.

He said: “Let’s come to the present and reflect on what’s happening now. (2:14) So what’s now? As all of you already know, the global situation now is getting increasingly uncertain. With US tariffs, with hot conflicts, wars, economic uncertainty, now more than ever, Singapore must shine. The world must know that Singapore is a shining little red dot in a time of great uncertainty; a trusted place to do business, a trusted place to hold events.All of you here tonight are key to this effort.”

No room for complacency

Tan added that Singaporeans never rest on their laurels, and it is a constant cycle of refreshing offerings to remain relevant in the global experience.

With that, he drew the conversation into what’s new in the Singapore MICE sector, and these include the hosting of three new events.

Singapore is slated to host the Asian edition of some of Europe’s leading global trade shows, specifically Passenger Terminal Expo Asia and Breakbound Asia next year, and InnoTrans Asia in 2027. 

Tan opined: “What this shows is that these are really forefront events covering growing industries such as aviation, logistics and transport technology: areas that support Singapore’s economic industries and our strengths.

He added that the country will also host the Swift International Banking Operations Seminar (SIBOS) 2027. 

Tan said of this: “SIBOS further reinforces our status as a global financial hub, shaping the future of FinTech as well as economic collaboration. Then, we also recently secured rights to host the Milton Institute Asia Summit from 2026 to 2028. This again underscores the Milton Institute’s confidence in Singapore’s ability to facilitate discussions on sensitive topics such as geopolitical risks and economic uncertainties.” 

The minister pointed out that this innate ability to attract new events to Singapore is a testament to the local MICE industry’s dedication to excellence and reputation. 

However, he reminded assembled professionals that there is a constant need to push boundaries even further.

So, what’s next?

Tan remarked that Singapore seeks to grow its MICE tourism receipts threefold from $1.4 billion in 2019 to $4.5 billion by 2040. 

He explained that both the government and private sector are aware that the global MICE market is projected to double in value, with the Asia-Pacific region as one of the fastest growing markets globally.

In order to succeed in this vastly growing market, Tan presented several key points for development:

• Quality tourism     Quality tourism is a key principle that has shaped Singapore’s Tourism 2040 roadmap. What needs to be done is to grow tourism receipts faster than the rate of international visitor arrivals. As the country pursues high growth segments, the importance of its MICE industry has grown significantly, hence the need to attract more MICE visitors who stand to spend double in Singapore than in any of its regional neighbours;
• A greater emphasis on local talent     People are at the heart of every MICE experience, and behind every successful MICE event. Tan said: “Whether you start at 5.30 in the morning, and those who are cleaning up after today’s dinner, these are all dedicated professionals that deliver these experiences. That’s why we must continually identify, grow and develop talent for our industry;”
• Focus on partnerships     In the Singapore MICE industry, if one succeeds, then others succeed. The benefits to one part of the ecosystem can uplift the entire industry, which is why the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has been working with SACEOS and the Singapore Business Federation to draw the industry closer. Indeed, as of April 2025, STB and SBF signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the local MICE ecosystem and expand the pool of local hosts for association conferences. This includes identifying and supporting local trade associations to bid and host world-class business events in Singapore; and
• Focus on going green and boosting technological innovation     With regard to sustainable MICE, Tan reported that Singapore has made progress towards its goal of having all six purpose-built MICE venues and ensuring that 80 percent of SACEOS members obtain internationally or nationally recognised sustainability certification. To date, four of Singapore’s six MICE venues have attained the relevant certifications. With regard to technological innovation, he lauded the industry’s use of the latest tools with which to plan its events and how this will serve as a gateway for even more developments over time.

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The post Etihad Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A321LR aircraft appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR (long range) following ceremony at the Airbus Finkenwerder site, marking a transformational milestone in the airline’s fleet expansion strategy. The aircraft brings Etihad’s signature widebody experience to short and medium-haul routes, with premium cabins typically found only on long-haul flights. This is the first of 30 A321LR aircraft scheduled to join Etihad’s fleet.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Today marks an extraordinary moment for Etihad as we welcome an aircraft that changes everything we thought possible on a single-aisle plane. The A321LR enables us to serve more destinations with the same premium experience our guests expect across all cabins, perfectly embodying our commitment to delivering luxury at every altitude.”

Redefining Narrowbody Travel

The A321LR features a three-cabin configuration, including Etihad’s first-ever narrowbody First Suites –  private, enclosed spaces with sliding doors, fully-flat beds, and bespoke design touches normally reserved for long-haul widebody operations. Each window-facing First Suite features a large 20-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and additional space for a companion to sit.

The aircraft’s 14-seat Business cabin features widebody-style seats in a 1-1 herringbone layout, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and window views. Each Business seat includes a 17.3-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing and wireless charging.

In Economy, 144 thoughtfully designed seats offer generous space and comfort, providing an elevated experience for single-aisle travel. Passengers enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen displays, USB charging, and Bluetooth connectivity. These seatback screens bring premium content back to narrowbody travel with over a thousand hours of movies, shows and games.
In addition, the cabin features enlarged overhead bins providing significantly more luggage space than traditional narrowbody aircraft.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business, commented: “The delivery of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR is a powerful symbol of innovation and partnership, strengthening the long-standing relationship between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category and paves the way for increased connectivity as Etihad expands its operations from its Abu Dhabi hub.”

Staying Connected Above the Clouds

A standout feature of Etihad’s A321LR is its high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Viasat’s advanced technology delivering speeds of up to 100’s of Mbps. Passengers can enjoy seamless streaming, gaming and browsing throughout their journey, bringing ground-level connectivity to the skies. This gate-to-gate connectivity, where permitted, ensures guests remain productive and entertained whether flying for business or leisure. Wi-Fi service on Asian routes is being progressively rolled out and will be available from September 2025.

Expanding Horizons

The A321LR supports Etihad’s extraordinary expansion momentum, with the airline having launched or announced 27 new routes in a single year as part of its ambitious growth strategy. The aircraft will enter commercial service on 1 August 2025, initially operating between Abu Dhabi and Phuket before serving destinations including Algiers, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Krakow, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Tunis and Zurich.

The A321LR delivery supports Etihad’s Journey 2030 vision, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global aviation hub. Additional nine A321LR aircraft will be delivered throughout 2025, supporting Etihad’s ambitious growth plans as the airline works towards carrying 38 million passengers annually by 2030.

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The post Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council launches MYMT 2026, Malaysia’s First Medical Tourism Year appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)  launched Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 at the Malaysia  International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly  Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia, officiated the event, unveiling the campaign’s logo and  tagline, “Healing Meets Hospitality.”

MYMT 2026 aims to position Malaysia as a premier medical tourism destination by  showcasing its advanced healthcare services and hospitality. The campaign also seeks to attract  international health travellers by highlighting the nation’s advanced medical facilities, skilled  professionals and holistic wellness offerings. Renowned Malaysian singer Dato’ Seri Siti  Nurhaliza was announced as the campaign’s ambassador, lending her voice to promote  Malaysia’s medical tourism vision.

MYMT 2026 is poised to elevate these achievements, aligning with MHTC’s ambitious  goal of achieving RM12 billion in industry revenue by 2030.

The launch also spotlighted the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) programme,  recognising four outstanding institutions: Institut Jantung Negara, Island Hospital Penang,  Mahkota Medical Centre, and Subang Jaya Medical Centre. These hospitals, selected for their  excellence in clinical care, innovation, and international patient services, are undergoing final  evaluations, with the winner to be announced in December 2025.

“Malaysia is no stranger as the medical tourism destination of choice, serving an array of  healing journeys for our healthcare travellers to choose from. Now, not only are we focusing  on modern medicine alone, we are also exploring a more integrative healthcare a holistic  ecosystem that blends modern medicine, wellness, Traditional & Complementary Medicine  (T&CM) and preventive care,” said Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad,  Chairman of MHTC.

 

 

 

 

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The post Hong Kong Airlines to launch a new direct service to Melbourne from 12 Dec 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hong Kong Airlines announced that it will launch a new direct service to Melbourne from 12 December 2025. The new route will operate three times a week, offering travellers more flexible and convenient options for travel to Australia. To commemorate this significant milestone, a signing ceremony was held at Melbourne Airport, attended by representatives from Hong Kong Airlines, Melbourne Airport as well as Victorian Government.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hong Kong Airlines President Jeff Sun said: “This has been a year of significant progress for our Australian market strategy. Following the resumption of our Gold Coast service in January and the launch of our Sydney route in June, we are delighted to add Melbourne as another key destination within just six months. This establishes Hong Kong Airlines as the second local carrier to offer direct flights to Australia’s major cities and marks 2025 as a crucial milestone in our international transformation.”

“This new service will not only provide passengers a competitive and high-quality travel option but will also cater to the diverse needs of business and leisure travellers, further deepening the trade, cultural, and tourism ties between Hong Kong and Melbourne. The launch of this service was made possible by the proactive support of the government from both cities. Looking ahead, we will leverage the enhanced capacity of Hong Kong International Airport’s Three-Runway System to open up more attractive new destinations for our passengers.”

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the arrival of Hong Kong Airlines will provide more choice and greater capacity into one of Asia’s biggest international hubs.

“The growth in our international market shows the importance of competition and choice, which is why we are so excited to welcome Hong Kong Airlines to the mix today.  Hong Kong is the fourth largest international market for us at Melbourne Airport so I expect there will be strong demand for this service.”

“The aviation landscape is highly competitive and without the work of the Federal Government to expand bilateral air traffic rights along with the great support of the state government and Visit Victoria, we wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs at the Victorian Government Danny Pearson, stated: “More flights mean more tourists delivering a stronger economy and more jobs for Victorians – from tour operators to hospitality staff and hotel workers. The additional flights will also increase air freight capacity for Victorian exporters sending their products and produce to Asia.”

The Hong Kong Airlines service to Melbourne will be operated by Airbus A330 aircraft. The flight schedule is flexibly timed to facilitate convenient connections for passengers transiting through Hong Kong to our popular destinations. For example, passengers departing from Melbourne can seamlessly connect to flights to Vancouver, Bali, Tokyo, and Osaka. Similarly, travellers from cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Haikou, Sanya, and Fukuoka can enjoy an efficient and comfortable journey with a seamless transfer in Hong Kong en route to Melbourne.

As Hong Kong’s local full-service carrier, Hong Kong Airlines has continuously enhanced its services and expanded its route network, which now covers over 30 destinations worldwide. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional travel experience, featuring comfortable seating in both Business and Economy Class, a curated selection of in-flight dining, in-flight entertainment, and our signature attentive service.

Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Melbourne is as follows (All times local):

Route	Flight Number	Departure	Arrival	Frequency
HKG – MEL	HX013	23:10	11:30+1	Mon, Wed, Fri
MEL – HKG	HX014	13:00	19:20	Tues, Thurs, Sat

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