Search Results for747
EVA to retire Boeing 747s in August
EVA Air's Boeing 747-400 aircraft EVA Air's last Boeing 747 aircraft will be retired in August. The 372-seat, three-class aircraft is the largest passenger jet in EVA's fleet, but these aging jets are gradually being replaced by newer, more fuel-efficient models. EVA’s last remaining 747 will take off for the final time on 21 August 2017, on the route between Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport and Hong Kong, marking a major milestone in the airline’s fleet renewal process. These four-engined aircraft have been gradually removed from service in recent months and years, and replaced by EVA's expanding fleet of twin-engined 777-300ERs and Airbus A330-300s. The airline also has outstanding orders for 24 787 Dreamliner aircraft, including 20 787-10s - the largest version of the new fuel-efficient jet. Several other Asian airlines have retired their 747s in recent years, including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines. Boeing has produced a new, more fuel-efficient version of the 747, but it has not proven popular with passenger airlines.
EVA Air to retire Boeing 747s this year
EVA Air's Boeing 747-400 aircraft EVA Air is accelerating the retirement of its Boeing 747 fleet, bringing forward the scheduled date of the final flight from October to August 2017. The Taiwanese carrier currently operates three 747-400 aircraft, which are still the largest in its fleet with a total of 372 seats in three classes. But these are being gradually replaced by new long-haul jets, including the Boeing 777-300ER. As a result, EVA's final 747 flight will operate between Taipei and Shanghai on 20 August. EVA's long-haul fleet renewal programme will continue in the coming years when it starts taking delivery of its new fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Like many current and former 747 operators, EVA has decided against buying the new version of the aircraft, the 747-8 Intercontinental.
37 dead as Boeing 747 crashes in Kyrgyzstan
The aircraft was operated by ACT Airlines, a Turkish cargo carrier A large cargo plane crashed in Kyrgyzstan on Monday morning, killing at least 37 people. The incident occurred when the Boeing 747 aircraft, operated by Turkey's ACT Airlines, crashed while landing at Manas airport, 25km north of the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. The flight had taken off from Hong Kong. The wide-body jet left the end of the runway and crashed into houses in a village located next to the airport. At least 15 buildings are reported to have been destroyed. In a statement, ACT Airlines said the aircraft had crashed for "an unknown reason", but freezing fog was reported at the airport at the time of the incident. Boeing said it was ready send a technical team to Kyrgyzstan, if requested by the investigating authorities.
Al Ain Museum reopens to the public in October
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has officially reopened Al Ain Museum to the public following an extensive redevelopment designed by Dabbagh Architects. The museum now spans more than 8,000 square metres and retains the original museum structure as a key part of its architectural narrative. The UAE’s first museum, originally founded in 1969 by the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Ain Museum remains the centre of knowledge on the history and heritage of the Al Ain Region. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Al Ain Museum holds a unique place in our collective memory and stands as a tribute to the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, who understood the importance of safeguarding our past to inspire future generations. The reopening of the nation's first museum marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to continue this legacy by preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Through its invaluable collections and dynamic new visitor experience, this institution will connect visitors, both local and international, to the deep roots of Al Ain Region’s history and its integral role in shaping the identity of our nation.” The collection and narrative of Al Ain Museum trace the human inhabitation of the Al Ain Region, featuring archaeological artefacts dating back over 8,000 years, material culture objects that highlight the customs and practices of its people and exhibitions that explore the area's rich cultural heritage through to the present day. Omar Salem Al Kaabi, Director of Al Ain Museum, said: “Al Ain Museum serves as the gateway to understanding the cultural and archaeological significance of Al Ain Region. It offers visitors essential historical and interpretive context that brings to life the UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering insight into the outstanding universal value of the historic locations that surround it and their contribution to our collective understanding of human history. Our vision is for the museum to be the starting point of a wider journey, one that inspires visitors to explore the remarkable landscapes, ancient tombs and architectural landmarks of Al Ain Region with a deeper appreciation of their enduring value to human history and local heritage.” Al Ain Museum features newly discovered archaeological sites unearthed during the redevelopment process, which have been meticulously excavated and preserved to form a central part of the visitor experience. A key highlight of the museum’s narrative is the development of the ancient aflaj irrigation system, one of the most significant technological and cultural advancements in the region’s history. This innovation enabled sustainable agriculture and made long-term settlement in Al Ain Region possible, laying the foundations for the area's continuous human habitation and its emergence as a centre of life and culture in the desert. Al Ain Museum is located next to the Sultan Fort, also known as the Eastern Fort, which lies at the eastern edge of Al Ain Oasis and once lay at the heart of the former village, or hara, of Al Ain, which also took its alternative name of ‘Haret Al Hosn’ from the fort. Sultan Fort was built in 1910 by the son of Sheikh Zayed the First, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, who was the ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922–26. Housing a vast collection of archaeological artefacts that span thousands of years of human settlement in the region, Al Ain Museum serves as a vital centre for archaeological scholarship and education. The museum features a dedicated research facility designed to support ongoing excavations, interdisciplinary studies and conservation efforts. By providing researchers, academics and students with access to primary material culture and specialised resources, the museum fosters a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural development of Al Ain Region and its surrounding areas. This commitment to advancing knowledge ensures that the museum is not only a place of preservation but also a dynamic hub for discovery, interpretation and academic exchange that contributes to the broader field of regional and global archaeology. Al Ain Museum features a thoughtfully designed educational space that hosts interactive workshops and hands-on learning activities, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to engage directly with the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Complementing the visitor experience is the museum café and retail space, a dedicated reading room and a temporary exhibition space.
Red Sea Global secures SAR 6.5 billion funding for AMAALA
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, has secured a SAR 6.5 billion ($1.73 billion) credit facility made available for the development of AMAALA. Funding is being led by Riyad Bank as the sole underwriter along with The Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB) and Bank AlBilad as mandated lead arrangers. The loan agreement offers a mix of conventional and Islamic financing and adheres to RSG’s Green Loan Framework, which was first established when it secured private funding from a consortium of four banks for The Red Sea destination in 2021. “Four years ago, we made history by securing the first-ever Riyal denominated green finance credit facility. Since then, we have built and opened nine hotels at The Red Sea destination as well as supporting infrastructure. Last month we announced the upcoming opening of Shura Island, which will feature 11 hotels, residences, high-end food and beverage and retail experiences. We have demonstrated that we are a developer who delivers and we’re proud that our financing partners recognize this and have faith to once again back our destinations, this time supporting AMAALA, which opens in the coming weeks,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at RSG. This is the third time RSG and Riyad Bank have partnered together. It follows the first green loan facility in 2021, as well as a separate SAR 2bn debt financing for a joint venture with Kingdom Holding Company for the development of the Four Seasons Resort on Shura Island, which is set to open later this year. Nadir Al-Koraya, President and Chief Executive Officer of Riyad Bank, said: “Red Sea Global continues to demonstrate exceptional capability in delivering on bold and transformative developments that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. We are proud to once again support them, this time in realizing AMAALA, an ambitious, sustainability-driven destination that will redefine wellness and luxury tourism." Gregory Djerejian, Group Head of Investments and Chief Legal Officer at RSG, said: "We are grateful to our partners for their continued trust and support. Their backing not only reflects confidence in our vision, but also reinforces our shared commitment to responsible, future-focused development. Together, we are helping to deliver destinations that set new standards for sustainability, wellness, and economic impact." The Green Financing accreditation is governed by a Green Financing Framework aligned with the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles set out by the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) and the Loan Market Association’s (LMA) respectively. Advising on the deal was the international law firm Akin, with its Riyadh office acting as borrower’s counsel on the transaction, while Linklaters’ Riyadh office acted as lenders’ counsel. Both firms played an integral role in ensuring the smooth execution of the transaction, providing commercially focused and pragmatic legal advice that supported RSG in securing this landmark green financing. AMAALA, situated at Triple Bay, is set to open this year, with more than 1,400 hotel rooms across eight different resorts. It is positioned as an ultra-luxury wellness destination with regeneration at its core. Two of AMAALA’s hallmark features include Corallium Marine Life Institute, an educational and scientific research center, and the AMAALA Yacht Club, destined to become an international hub for luxury yachting.
Israel hails the Philippines as a priority source market
A recent statement from the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) points out that the Philippines is considered by the Middle Eastern nation as a priority market. The distinction was made in light of Israel’s ongoing efforts to revitalise its tourism sector which has been adversely impacted by geopolitical conflict. As of press time, Israel has initiated intense promotions and trade engagement in Asia following the renewed travel optimism seen following the signing of the Gaza ceasefire agreement earlier this month. In its statement, the Ministry declared: “Asia has been a key market for Israel with India, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, and South Korea leading. This steady rise shows Asia’s growing confidence and curiosity in Israel’s mix of culture, culinary, eco-conscious, wellness, and adventure travel experiences.” Deepening ties in Asia During its stint at the recently concluded ITB Asia 2025 in Singapore, IMOT officials underscored how their country seeks to deepen ties across Asia’s high-growth travel markets and highlighted the destination’s evolving identity that unites its heritage and modern leisure offerings. According to IMOT Philippines marketing manager Anna Oraiza Aban: “The enthusiasm we’ve seen from Filipino travelers and partners at ITB Asia truly reflects how Israel remains a top bucket-list destination for many Filipinos. With visa-free access for Philippine passport holders, we’re confident that more Filipinos will soon turn their dream trips into reality. The strong interest from the market and travel trade inspires us to continue developing experiences that connect deeply with Filipino travelers, whether through faith, culture, or adventure." IMOT officials added that insights from ITB Asia 2025 will guide its regional strategy through 2026, with emphasis on joint marketing campaigns, airline collaborations, and education programs to build awareness and drive sustainable visitor growth in Asia. Israel received 118,200 tourists in August, a 39 percent increase from July. Between January and August, it recorded 814,000 tourist arrivals, up from 672,400 in the same period last year.
ANA, NCA to Launch Codeshare on Freighter Services Connecting Japan, Europe and North America
All Nippon Airways and Nippon Cargo Airlines will begin codeshare operations on cargo flights between Japan, Europe and North America on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. Under the agreement, ANA’s code will appear on NCA’s Boeing 747 freighter services from Narita to North American destinations—Chicago, New York, Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles—as well as European destinations—Amsterdam, Milan and Frankfurt. NCA’s code will be added to ANA’s Boeing 777 freighter routes from Narita to Chicago and Los Angeles. The collaboration will expand ANA Group’s cargo network, increase transportation capacity and improve customer convenience by leveraging the strengths of both carrier’s large freighter operations. ANA Holdings acquired 100% of NCA's shares as of Aug. 1, 2025. The combined fleet now includes ANA’s passenger flight network and its fleet of six Boeing 767 freighters and two Boeing 777 freighters, along with NCA’s eight Boeing 747 freighters, enabling the group to handle large-scale cargo transportation globally. Looking ahead, ANA and NCA will continue to strengthen their partnership to enhance the ANA Group’s cargo business, delivering competitive, efficient and high-quality services that meet customer needs and support the group’s long-term growth.
Intra-ASEAN Air Travel grew from 37% in 2019 to 45% in 2024
Representative Image Travel within ASEAN countries accounts for the largest share of international arrivals into the region, growing from 37% in 2019 to 45% in 2024. With the ever-increasing uncertainty of geopolitics and the economic outlook, this dependence on regional travel may be Southeast Asia’s ace card, insulating it from potential longer-haul market disruptions. In Summer 2025, Malaysia leads with 19.3 million scheduled seats Like everywhere, intra-ASEAN seat capacity was impacted during the pandemic, and while the numbers are recovering steadily, they have not reached 2019 levels, indicating there is still room for growth. In Summer 2025, there were 46 million scheduled seats available for travel between the ASEAN countries. Although this is a 7% increase compared to Summer 2024, it remains 6% below Summer 2019’s level of 50 million seats. For many years, Singapore was the centre of the Southeast Asian aviation sector, with Changi Airport serving as a major hub for international long-haul travel from neighbouring countries. Looking at intra-regional capacity in Summer 2025, Malaysia leads with 19.3 million scheduled seats to other Southeast Asian countries (5.5% behind Summer 2019 levels). And Singapore follows closely with 19 million seats (10% below Summer 2019 levels). Out of ten of the busiest intra-Southeast Asian routes still start or end in Singapore. Looking at flows within the Southeast Asian region at country level shows that there are pockets of strong growth taking place. Vietnam is rapidly expanding its aviation footprint, recording the fastest growth in seat capacity to other Southeast Asian countries among all ASEAN members. Seat capacity from Vietnam is up by 21.8% in Summer 2025 compared to Summer 2024, and a strong 8.5% ahead of Summer 2019. In particular, total seat capacity between Vietnam and Indonesia, Philippines, and Laos is seeing significant growth compared to 2019. Vietnam has 51 route connections to other Southeast Asian destinations as of Summer 2025, up from 45 in 2019. Aside from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, secondary cities Danang and Phu Quoc have seen more routes added in 2025, with five and three new routes added, respectively. With the majority of ASEAN’s capital cities already connected to one another, the opportunity for growth is capital city-secondary city, or secondary city-secondary city. Looking at capacity growth for Summer 2025 versus Summer 2024 shows that in that secondary city market, growth in capacity within Southeast Asia has been highest, at 18%, suggesting that there is growing activity and reasons for travel between these cities. Analysis of airport pairs within the region reveals 50 new intra-ASEAN connections in Summer 2025 compared to Summer 2019, with the highest growth coming from connections between secondary cities. 22 of the new intra-ASEAN routes operate to/from Indonesian airports. Ten are connections to Malaysia, including four new routes from Kuala Lumpur to Indonesian secondary cities, and three from Kota Kinabalu. Bali also saw new connections with Hanoi and Phuket. With Timor-Leste set to join ASEAN by the end of this year, Southeast Asian airlines are starting to ramp up their connectivity to the country. Batik Air Malaysia opened a new direct route from Kuala Lumpur to Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili, in June 2025. Whilst Singapore - Timor-Leste connectivity saw the biggest growth of seat capacity with an increase of 2,697% to 9,900 seats in Summer 2025 compared to 354 seats in Summer 2019. However, the number of absolute seats means Timor-Leste remains significantly below its regional peers. In Vietnam, the resort island of Phu Quoc is becoming increasingly popular: Its flight route to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport showed 265% growth in seat capacity in Summer 2025 compared to Summer 2019. The route was initially operated by Bangkok Airways in 2019, but Thai Vietjet became the sole operator in Summer 2025, with seats jumping from 56,880 in Summer 2024 to 107,368 in April 2025. Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air have also launched new Bangkok Don Mueang-Phu Quoc routes, bringing the total number of seats between the two cities to 183,403 in Summer 2025. Airlines in the region continue to grow amidst Geo political tensions With proposed protectionist policies, uncertain global economic conditions, and geopolitical tensions affecting outbound travel sentiments, it may be wise for Southeast Asia to shift its tourism focus closer to home. Even land borders are proving to be hot spots for tension within ASEAN itself, as a dispute over Thailand and Cambodia's border demarcations led to the closure of land border crossings from mid-June for the majority of travellers, leaving air travel as the only reliable way to cross between the two countries. Airlines in the region have an opportunity to continue growth through expanding intra-ASEAN routes and seat capacity, striving for a full recovery back to pre-pandemic levels and beyond with further connectivity between secondary cities. Source: OAG
Vietnam takes a shot at becoming Asia’s next medical tourism centre
With medical tourism rapidly becoming a prime growth sector in the global tourism industry, it isn't surprising that Vietnam is keen on stepping up its game to boost its profile as a potential hub. On 4th September, at ITE HCMC 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, several Vietnamese government agencies signed a landmark agreement geared towards making medical tourism a priority area for development, especially in light of the fact that Vietnamese hospitals and medical professionals are developing a reputation as being amongst the best within Southeast Asia, rivalling their counterparts in Singapore and Thailand. But what exactly can Vietnam offer the global tourism market, and what is its unique selling point with which to draw patients away from the competition? This is what we at Travel Daily Media seek to discover in today's feature. Vietnamese officials gathered in Ho Chi Minh City last month to sign an understanding to drive the country's medical tourism sector Vietnamese medical tourism in the numbers In an article published by industry analyst Gil Neo in July of this year on the Invest in Vietnam site, it was noted that the Vietnamese medical tourism market is projected to reach a valuation of more than US$2.5 billion by the end of 2025. Neo likewise pointed out that the sector will be growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.8 percent anticipated through 2033. Such development is being driven by several economic trends and social demographics. To date, these include the growth of the global middle class which has enabled more people to travel for treatment either domestically or overseas; an ageing population in various parts of the globe; increased awareness regarding available healthcare options, as well as geopolitical shifts that are forcing people to seek aid or treatment abroad. Keeping all these factors in mind, the Vietnamese healthcare sector has been actively working on its infrastructure and manpower components to meet the surging demand. World-class care in the heart of Indochina It should be noted at this point that major urban centres like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer world-class medical centres with a diverse and professionally handled range of treatments. Indeed, it is no longer surprising to hear that western patients are making their way to these cities for cardiological treatment, orthopaedic surgery, and even the resolution of issues regarding fertility and reproduction. Vietnam is also giving its neighbours a run for their money in terms of cosmetic surgery and dentistry, offering procedures handled with the same level of care and skill at a fraction of the cost. The country is also known for other modalities rooted in the practice of both traditional healing and the precepts of traditional oriental medicine, on top of wellness measures passed on through generations. Technology is also boosting the growth of such hospitals throughout the country thanks to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the diagnostic process and robotics in the fields of surgery and critical care, on top of expanding overall patient capacity and comfort in individual institutions. It must also be stated here that travel agents throughout Vietnam are teaming up with major hospitals to develop tour packages that combine treatment, accommodation, and tourism experiences for patients and any friends or family members accompanying them. But issues need to be addressed This is not to say that it's smooth sailing for the Vietnamese medical tourism sector from this point on. Far from it: the sector needs to jump over numerous hurdles in order to boost both overall competence and global recognition. The language barrier is what we see first and foremost: in our recent coverage of ITE HCMC, the fact that 90 percent of the signage onsite and even the discussions on the agenda were in Vietnamese proved a barrier to many members of the media...and if this posed a challenge to us, what more for overseas patients coming into the country? Second: Vietnam's medical tourism sector is not as prominent or as visible as that if its closest neighbour Thailand as marketing for the sector has yet to hit the stride of its counterparts luxury, leisure, and even golf tourism. Third: to date, even after the signing last month, Vietnam still has to come up with relevant policies and standards to regulate its medical tourism sector. This glaring lack of regulatory measures, specifically quality assurance standards, is a major stumbling block for the sector. Indeed, in an op-ed for The Investor in 2024 and featured on Vietnam Briefing earlier this year, Vietnamese real estate expert Hoang Nguyen declared: “The absence of an overall policy orientation has led to spontaneous and scattered development of health care tourism. Many providers have also shown a lack of professionalism and abused this type of service for their own interests." What could be done For now, we see three ways by which the growth of the Vietnamese medical tourism sector could be pushed further. Regulation is the biggest matter to address: standards need to be put in place to ensure that the standard of care is the same in any part of the country. Language competencies need to be improved across the board from medical professionals to support staff to ensure proper communication with patients from abroad in order to allay any concerns they may have. Lastly: a comprehensive global marketing programme needs to be developed and implemented as this will make the world more aware of the excellence of Vietnam's medical services. Should the country be able to pull these off, then we will not be surprised to see it rise to the top of the game delivering exceptional medical care within its borders and beyond.
Jazeera Airways resumes flights to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
Jazeera Airways Abu Dhabi and Al Ain flights launch event. Image Courtesy: Jazeera Airways Jazeera Airways marked the resumption of flights to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with inaugural celebrations held at Jazeera Terminal 5 in Kuwait and in Abu Dhabi. The airline has launched two weekly flights each from Kuwait International Airport (KWI) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Al Ain International Airport (AAN). The milestone was attended by Mohammad Al Mousa, Vice Chairman, Barathan Pasupathi, CEO, and Paul Carroll, CCO of Jazeera Airways, alongside H.E. Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, Ambassador of the UAE to Kuwait. This expansion strengthens connectivity between Kuwait and the UAE, offering passengers greater convenience and affordability. With the addition of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Jazeera Airways now serves three destinations across the UAE—enhancing travel and trade between the two nations. As part of the celebrations, the guests also visited Jazeera Airways’ Hayakom Lounge which will be opening soon to cater to passengers at Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5).
AIME 2026: 9–11 February 2026 | Melbourne, Australia
Where the business events world meets in Asia Pacific The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event – AIME – is
IWTA Awards 2024 cont.
Photos from the Inspiring Women in Travel Awards 2024, held at Intercontinental Bangkok
Inspiring Women in Travel Awards 2024
Photos from the Inspiring Women in Travel Awards 2024, held at Intercontinental Bangkok
Photos from Travel Daily’s Inspiring Women in Travel (Asia) 2023 Awards
Check out the photos from our amazing event
January 2023: Pattaya – GEMS Mining Pool Villa & Resort
THIRSTY THURSDAY PATTAYA JANUARY 2023 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
December 2022: Phuket – Angsana Laguna Phuket XANA Beach club
THIRSTY THURSDAY PHUKET DECEMBER 2022 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Maximum Occupancy 2022: Sheraton Grand Sydney, 5-6 April 2022
Maximum Occupancy is Australia’s premier hotel and accommodation industry conference, designed for and by the hotel industry's leaders. Suited for all types of hotel and accommodation providers and sizes, it will feature over 35+ leading industry experts and speakers from around Australia and the globe. This is THE event for any hotelier that wants to achieve maximum occupancy month after month.
How does a night of luxury including breakfast for 2 sound??
In conjunction with Westin Grande Sukhumvit, TD is giving you the opportunity to experience a night of luxury just by answering this one simple question