Asia

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas draws in Ironman runners and fitness fans

With Ironman 70.3 Desaru Coast coming up in May, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas has introduced its Ironman 70.3 Desaru Coast Package. Designed with fitness enthusiasts and Ironman competitors in mind, the package blends wellness, adventure, and indulgence, ensuring guests start the New Year revitalized and ready to conquer their 2025 fitness goals. That said, it provides a seamless blend of performance-enhancing amenities and opportunities for relaxation in a venue that prioritises health and fitness without skimping on luxurious indulgence. What’s in it for guests?  Highlights of the Ironman 70.3 Desaru Coast Package include: Luxury Accommodations: Guests can relax in elegant accommodations designed to offer ultimate comfort after a day of training or exploration. Daily Superfood Breakfast : Start each morning with a nutrient-packed breakfast featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Afternoon Stretching and Yoga Sessions : Enhance recovery and flexibility with guided yoga sessions tailored for active individuals. Technical Assistance for Bicycle Repairs: Cyclists can access chargeable technical support upon request, ensuring their gear is always in top condition. 15 Percent Savings on Spa Treatments: Rejuvenate with bespoke therapies at the Anantara Spa, excluding promotions and retail products. 15 Percent Savings on Dining: Enjoy discounted dining experiences, excluding in-room dining, non-alcoholic beverages, promotions, and seasonal items. Roundtrip Transfers: Convenient transportation between Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal and the resort allows guests to focus on their wellness journey. Late Check-Out: Take advantage of a 2:00 pm late check-out (subject to availability) for a stress-free departure. Aside from these benefits, guests alsol have access to the resort’s state-of-the-art fitness center, scenic cycling routes, and a variety of wellness activities designed to align with their training and recovery needs. Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas emphasises the importance of balancing wellness and indulgence, particularly for travelers seeking a rejuvenating escape.  Thus, the Ironman 70.3 Desaru Coast Package seeks to support guests in achieving their health goals while enjoying the signature luxury experiences that define the Anantara brand.

Airports

Hamad International Airport receives ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Certification Extension by BSI

default MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airport Operation and Management announced that Hamad International Airport (DOH) has received a certification extension from British Standards Institution (BSI), reaffirming the airport’s commitment to setting industry standards towards environmental sustainability and stewardship. The ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certificate was achieved after successfully completing the audit. The ISO 14001:2015 certificate identifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can utilize to enhance its performance. Retaining this global recognition is a testament to Hamad International Airport’s environmental sustainability goals towards waste management, minimising the consumption of natural resources and mitigating climate change. Hamad International Airport went through a surveillance auditing process which included reviewing the airport’s operations with a focus on areas with high potential environmental risk, interviewing employees, evaluating operational controls and the airport’s conformance to the ISO 14001:2015 requirements. In addition to the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems certification, Hamad International Airport also holds the ISO 55001:2014 Asset Management System certification and the ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management Systems certification from BSI. The airport has also obtained the ACI ACA Level-3 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation.      

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar Aviation Services receives Leading Environmental Management System Certificate

Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), the ground handling services subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group, is now the first ground handler in the world to receive the International Air Transport Association (IATA) environmental management system certification – the IATA Environmental Assessment programme (IEnvA) – which has been developed specifically for ground and cargo service providers. Qatar Airways Group’s Qatar Aviation Services was presented with the IEnvA certificate on 5 June during the 79th IATA AGM in Istanbul, Türkiye. The IEnvA for Ground and Cargo Handling Service Organisations certificate, which is an expansion of the successful IEnvA for Airlines programme, was launched in June 2022 during the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting held in Doha. QAS signed up the as part of pilot phase, becoming the first organisation globally to join the extended IEnvA programme. The bespoke standards developed by IATA, in collaboration with Qatar Airways Group and international sustainability experts, set a framework for achieving environmental sustainability across all ground operations. The scope for certification included QAS offices and workshop buildings, ground handling operations and equipment, cargo handling operations and equipment, and maintenance activities. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are focused on keeping sustainability at the core of our operations. Qatar Airways was the first airline in the Middle East to be accredited to the highest level of IEnvA in 2017. As we continue to build our global network, we remain committed to dedicating the leadership and resources needed to meet our vision for environmental sustainability. Today we extend the IEnvA accreditation to QAS, becoming the first ground handler in the world certified under the new IEnvA programme for Ground and Cargo Handling Service Organisations.” IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, said: “Qatar Aviation Services has achieved a significant milestone with their IEnvA certification. They are one of the pioneers in the IEnvA programme; their dedication to managing and reducing the environmental impact of their operations is clear. Their certification sets a great example of world-class environmental management practices for other ground handler and ground services providers to follow.” Qatar Aviation Services is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its operations, playing an instrumental role in helping Hamad International Airport gain its world-class standing as an environmental leader amongst airports globally. Through its participation, it aims to meet and exceed the highest environmental standards while preparing for future expansion strategies. IATA’s IEnvA programme is a voluntary evaluation system designed to independently assess and improve the environmental management. The programme, which demonstrates equivalency to the ISO 14001: 2015 environmental management systems standard, was initially offered to Qatar Airways and later extended to cargo and ground handlers. It provides a structured approach to managing the environment, as well as reporting and mitigating environmental impacts. As a result, organisations are able to formally incorporate sustainability and environmental compliance strategies into their operations.    

Airlines and Aviation

Oman Air to be the official airline for IRONMAN 70.3 Salalah

IRONMAN 70.3, will be hosted in Salalah, Sultanate of Oman, creating the ideal backdrop for this spectacular event. The event also provides attendees with the chance to explore Salalah and experience the hospitality of the city and the people of Oman. Oman Air’s vice president - marketing, Abdul Aziz bin Mohammad Al Rashdi, stated “Oman Air is delighted to join the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and other official partners in organising this worldwide triathlon competition in the Sultanate of Oman. It is with great pride that Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, will be supporting the event as the official carrier of IRONMAN 70.3 Salalah, which aims to raise awareness of triathlon sports across the country and serves the vision of adding Oman to the global map as an international sporting event destination”. “Through this event, thousands of athletes and spectators are expected to flock to Salalah. Oman Air provides flexible travel and connecting flight options through its main hub in Muscat, which will ensure easy and seamless access to all those that are participating in the event”. Al Rashdi added, “The athletes and spectators will be able to enjoy the amazing scenery surrounding Salalah city while cheering on or completing a 1.9km (1.2-mile) swim, a 90.1km (56-mile) bike ride and a 21.1km (13.1-mile) run”. Mohamed Obaidani, chief executive officer of Triathlon Middle East LLC the exclusive license for IRONMAN70.3 Oman, said, "Since the first IRONMAN70.3 was held in Oman in 2019, the Oman Air brand has become synonymous with this high-profile global sporting event. As the event’s reputation continues to grow in the international triathlon and endurance sports spotlight, we look forward to continuing this partnership with Oman Air in the years to come.” “The 2022 IRONMAN70.3 edition will provide a significant boost for Salalah and Oman’s tourism economy and related sectors. The event will also provide competing athletes a chance to experience the phenomenal beauty of Salalah and Dhofar. I am confident that Oman Air – as a multiple-award-winning airline – will once again provide a truly exceptional flying experience for all the athletes taking part, and for the significant number of support staff involved in making the event a success" Oman Air Holidays, in collaboration with its partner hotels, is offering athletes special rates on their preferred hotels as well as a variety of hotel alternatives in Salalah. Furthermore, ‘Oman Stopover Packages’ will allow athletes and spectators the flexibility to discover some of the most desirable tourist spots in the Sultanate, with each package designed to offer a distinct taste of some of Oman’s leading attractions. Oman Air Holidays excels at enabling the country's booming tourist potential, and the debut of its ‘Oman Stopover Packages’ adds to Oman's increasing inventory of tailored stays and experiences.  

China

Mandarin Oriental blossoms in the “beautiful environs” of Beijing

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced its latest property in China’s capital with the opening of Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing. The hotel is located on one of the city’s premium lifestyle retail centres, WF CENTRAL, and features 73 rooms and suites which are among the largest in the city. The rooms are designed with a contemporary residential style combined with subtle traditional Chinese elements. Highlights include an array of luxury amenities, expansive spa-like bathrooms, as well as views of the Forbidden City. “Beautiful environs” General manager Mark Bradford said: “We are delighted to bring Mandarin Oriental’s legendary hospitality to Beijing and look forward to welcoming guests to the beautiful environs of Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing. “Our proximity to the sights and sounds of historical Beijing, and our desire to provide personalised service that comes from the heart inspires all of us every day to deliver our very best.”

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing has two restaurants and a rooftop bar – all of which have direct access to a garden terrace. Café Zi is a relaxed environment featuring pan-Asian cuisine, while Mandarin Grill + Bar focuses on classic dishes. Meanwhile, MO Bar is a lounge that serves cocktails with an international DJ. Additionally, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing offers a range of curated wellness and beauty treatments as well as a 25-metre indoor lap pool with natural light and a comprehensive gym. To celebrate the opening, the hotel launched Opening Offer, valid until 18 June 2019. It includes daily hotel credit of CNY 888 to be spent throughout the property.

Charity / Sustainability / CSR

New study shows cruise industry’s leadership in environmental performance

A new study released Friday by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) provides the first-ever wide-ranging analysis by independent maritime environmental experts of the cruise industry’s environmental practices and performance. The in-depth analysis found that with both air emissions and wastewater treatment practices, CLIA cruise line members are leaders in the global commercial maritime sector in the development of innovative technologies to advance environmental stewardship. It also found that CLIA members are leaders in the development of industry policies and best practices to further environmental performance. The study illustrates that the overall environmental impact and performance of cruise ships are improving through continuous development of technology, alternative fuels and robust, mandatory industry environmental policies. The study also found that although cruise ships represent less than one per cent of the global commercial maritime fleet, the industry’s actions have substantially contributed to the maritime community’s initiatives in environmental stewardship.

Airlines and Aviation

Delta continues its Normandy Legacy Flight

For the fourth consecutive year, Delta is proud to continue its Normandy Legacy Flight, supporting the first-of-its-kind program that flies World War II veterans and students back to Normandy, France to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day invasion, honour the legacy of these heroes and educate the next generation. In partnership with Michelin, Delta and Best Defence Foundation will support the return of approximately 30 veterans to Normandy. In addition to supporting the week-long events, the global airline will host a nonstop charter flight directly from Atlanta to Deauville, Normandy Airport on May 31, arriving in Deauville on June 1 and returning to Atlanta on June 9. This will mark only the fourth time a U.S. passenger airline will fly directly to Normandy, with the other three being the Delta charter flights from 2022-2024. While there, veterans will participate in a series of special commemorative events that honour the memory, legacy and sacrifice of the service members – fuelling cross-cultural connection and education. "It is our honour and privilege to continue this historic charter and week-long celebration as a journey of remembrance and gratitude, dedicated to our World War II heroes," said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. "Delta has a deep history of supporting our military service members and veterans, and this program is one of the many ways we live our values in service of those who served us.” As part of the program, Best Defence Foundation provides caregivers for each WWII veteran throughout the trip, including Delta team members from its Veterans Business Resource Group (BRG) and other BRGs. BRG volunteers will receive specialized training and be paired 1:1 with veterans, cultivating an environment for ongoing support and meaningful connection. Delta has also partnered with Aviramp, an award-winning UK manufacturer of boarding equipment, to provide a safe and comfortable boarding and deplaning experience for the veterans, regardless of their mobility. “Each year, we remain committed to honouring the sacrifices of our WWII veterans by bringing them back to the battlefields where they served,” said Donnie Edwards – President and Co-Founder Best Defence Foundation. “As we return to Normandy for the 81st anniversary, we continue our proud partnership with Delta Air Lines to provide these heroes the opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and camaraderie. Their stories are a living testament to history, and we are grateful to stand beside them as we pay tribute to their legacy.” As part of Delta’s ongoing commitment to honour the legacy of WWII veterans and ensure their stories are never forgotten, the airline will once again partner with the Best Defence Foundation to bring 10 students through its NextGen Program to Normandy. This fully immersive experience will allow students to walk in the footsteps of history alongside the veterans who lived it, visiting historic sites and attending the Freedom Prize ceremony in Caen on June 3. “Eighty-one years after the D-Day landings, Normandy continues to show its gratitude and eternal recognition to the heroes who liberated its territory, France, and Europe at the risk of their lives,” said Hervé Morin – President of Normandy. “It will be a great honour for me to welcome these veterans, like previous years, to the Abbaye aux Dames in Caen to celebrate this great moment in the history of humanity and the return of democracy and peace. We are honoured by their participation along with the American students at the Freedom Prize ceremony.”  

Air

Asia-Pacific airlines saw 9.6% YOY demand growth for air cargo in March: IATA

Representative Image The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2025 global air cargo markets showing that the total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4.4% compared to March 2024 levels (+5.5% for international operations), a historic peak for March. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), expanded by 4.3% compared to March 2024 (+6.1% for international operations). “March cargo volumes were strong. It is possible that this is partly a front-loading of demand as some businesses tried to beat the well-telegraphed 2 April tariff announcement by the Trump Administration. The uncertainty over how much of the 2 April proposals will be implemented may eventually weigh on trade. In the meantime, the lower fuel costs—which are also a result of the same uncertainty—are a short-term positive factor for air cargo. And, within the temporary pause on implementation we hope that political leaders will be able to shift trade tensions to reliable agreements that can restore confidence in global supply chains,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: March volumes typically rise after a lull in February, and this single-digit increase is in line with pre-COVID growth trends. Jet fuel prices dropped 17.3% year-on-year, marking nine straight months of year-on-year declines. The sharp rise in US tariffs and new trade rules, especially the 2 May ban on duty-free imports from China and Hong Kong, may have prompted companies and buyers to make purchases in advance to avoid significant import fees. World industrial output grew 3.2% year-on-year, and trade volumes expanded 2.9%. Many key Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) indices fell: US inflation was 2.4%, down 0.4 points from February, EU CPI was 2.5% and Japan’s rate fell 0.1% to 3.6%. China remains in deflation but this eased to -0.1%. Air cargo market in detail - March 2025   World   March 2025 (% year-on-year)   share1   CTK ACTK CLF (%-pt) CLF (level) TOTAL MARKET 100.0%   4.4% 4.3% 0.0% 47.5%    Africa 2.0%   -13.4% 10.8% -10.4% 37.1%    Asia Pacific 34.2%   9.3% 7.6% 0.8% 48.6%    Europe 21.5%   4.4% 2.8% 0.9% 59.6%    Latin America 2.9%   5.6% 5.2% 0.1% 39.5%    Middle East 13.6%   -3.3% 0.9% -2.0% 47.6%    North America 25.8%   3.7% 2.6% 0.5% 40.7% Note 1: % of industry CTK in 2024           March Regional Performance Asia-Pacific airlines saw 9.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March, the strongest growth among the regions. Capacity increased by 11.3% year-on-year. North American carriers saw a 9.5% year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased by 6.1% year-on-year. European carriers saw a 4.5% year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased 2.0% year-on-year. Middle Eastern carriers saw a -3.2% year-on-year decrease in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased by 0.8% year-on-year. It’s possible the weakness in this market is due to year-on-year comparison with the strong growth at the start of 2024 resulting from disruption to Red Sea maritime freight.  Latin American carriers saw 5.8% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased 4.7% year-on-year.  African airlines saw a -13.4% year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in March, the slowest among the regions. Capacity increased by 10.5% year-on-year.   Trade Lane Growth: The Europe-North America route was the busiest trade lane in March. The largest trade lane by market share, Asia-North America, also grew strongly, possibly encouraged by front-loading shipments ahead of potential increased tariffs. Europe-Middle East and Africa-Asia were the only trade lanes to decline in March.   Trade Lane YOY Growth Notes Market Share of Industry Asia-North America +7.3% This route has resumed growth after a revised fall of 0.5% in February 24.4% Europe-Asia   +8.3% 25 consecutive months of growth 20.5% Europe-Middle East   -7.5% N/A 5.7% Middle East-Asia   +2.9% N/A 7.3% Within Asia   +5.5% 17 consecutive months of growth 7.0% Europe-North America +8.5% 14 consecutive months of growth 13.3% Africa-Asia -40.2% 4 consecutive months of decline 1.4% Within Europe -5.2% N/A 2.0%