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This is the late December edition of Airline and Travel News.

BRITISH AIRWAYS RETURNS TO BANGKOK

British Airways has resumed its Bangkok route after a four-year hiatus, now flying from London Gatwick instead of Heathrow. Currently, flights operate three times weekly and will increase to five times weekly from January to February 2025 before settling to four per week in March. The route is served by a Boeing 777-200ER in a three-class configuration, offering Club, World Traveller Plus, and World Traveller options.

The inaugural flight departed Gatwick on October 28, arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport the following afternoon. Passengers were welcomed with traditional Thai dancers, flower garlands, and local gifts. British Airways Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, noted that the Bangkok route was highly anticipated and highlights the city as a gateway to Southeast Asia’s scenic locales, accessible for British travellers.

This summer, BA also expanded its codeshare with Bangkok Airways, adding Koh Samui, Phuket, and Chiang Mai in Thailand, plus Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Sadudee Sangnil from the Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomed BA’s return, particularly during the peak travel season, and encouraged travellers to explore Thailand’s diverse offerings, including lesser-known beaches and national parks.

British Airways had announced the Bangkok route’s revival at a showcase in March, after initially planning for an October 2022 return, which was later postponed. The same event announced BA’s return to Kuala Lumpur in November, though this has now been delayed to April 2025 due to supply issues with Rolls-Royce engines. BA is also suspending one of its Heathrow-Doha flights for the winter and will pause its Gatwick-JFK service from December 12 until late March 2025.

To learn more, visit ba.com.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES WORKS THROUGH A330neo DELAYS, CHALLENGES

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent of Malaysia Airlines, announced that the delivery of its first Airbus A330neo aircraft (featured photo) was delayed due to findings identified by Airbus during the flight line stage. Originally scheduled for delivery in September 2024, the first aircraft was actually not delivered until December 2024.

As a result of this delay, Malaysia Airlines’ planned inaugural A330neo flight to Melbourne on November 25, along with subsequent flights scheduled with the A330neo, was impacted. The oneworld carrier subsequently reverted to operating the A330-300 for these services, with no changes to the flight schedule.

Malaysia Airlines was set to debut its latest business class product on the new A330neo aircraft. MAG says is working closely with Airbus and its lessor, Avolon, to secure a new delivery timeline and expedite the aircraft’s entry into service. The airline expects to receive five A330neo aircraft by the first quarter of next year.

On its remaining Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft deliveries, MAG says it remains in communication with Boeing and its lessor Air Lease, while closely monitoring the evolving situation.

By 2024, Malaysia Airlines was scheduled to receive 17 new aircraft orders as part of its fleet modernisation programme and for growth. However, to date, the airline has only received four 737 Max aircraft from Boeing out of the 13 contractually agreed.

For the Airbus A330neo, Malaysia Airlines was scheduled to receive four aircraft this year, but in August flagged that it then expected to receive only three aircraft by the end of the year due to Airbus delays.

“We are deeply disappointed by the aircraft delivery delays by Airbus, compounded by the ongoing setbacks of our Boeing 737-8 deliveries. These delays are significantly disrupting our fleet modernisation plans and growth requirements,” MAG Group Managing Director Izham Ismail said in a statement.

The new A330neo cabins will feature many ‘firsts’ for the airline, including suites with individual privacy doors in business class (pictured).

Malaysia Airlines celebrated its first A330neo with a grand celebration on December 19. However, the brand-new aircraft was soon grounded for 48 hours due to a faulty component. The component was replaced and the aircraft was cleared for service and back in the air by Christmas Day.

For more details, visit malaysiaairlines.com.

THE STANDARD OPENS ITS DOORS IN SINGAPORE

Standard Hotels has officially debuted in Singapore as of November, with a 143-room property on Orange Grove Road, directly across from the iconic Shangri-La Singapore. Originally announced in 2021, the hotel offers eight floors of rooms, ranging from the 21-square-metre Cozy Single Pool View to the 72-square-metre Suite Spot Pool View.

Guests have access to an outdoor pool and a multi-use space called The Garden, which spans the first two floors. Dining options include the Japanese-inspired Kaya at The Standard, the casual Kaya Bar, and the all-day dining Café Standard.

This new opening follows recent Standard Hotels launches in Hua Hin in 2021 and Bangkok in 2022, as well as the debut of the sister brand, The StandardX, in Melbourne earlier this year.

In a significant development for the brand, Hyatt announced plans in August to acquire Standard International, the parent company of both The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels. The acquisition was finalised this week, with Hyatt set to introduce a dedicated Lifestyle division later this year, headed by Amar Lalvani, former executive chairman of Standard International.

Standard International has more than 30 properties in the pipeline, including The Standard hotels in destinations like Pattaya, Mexico, Brussels, Dublin, and Lisbon.

For additional information, visit standardhotels.com and hyatt.com.

NISEKO VILLAGE UNVEILS ITS NEW ‘WHITE HOLIDAY’ SEASON

Ushering in the winter season with enticing new accommodation options and special experiences at a trio of properties in Japan’s renowned Niseko Village, located 90 km southwest of Sapporo on Hokkaido island in Japan’s far north. Aiming to showcase Niseko’s famous powder snow, inspiring landscapes, and premier ski amenities, guests can now book stays at three distinct village accommodation options: The Green Leaf Niseko Village (pictured), Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse, and Hinode Hills Niseko Village.

Each venue offers unique appeal, from The Green Leaf’s ski-in, ski-out access and local culinary highlights to Kasara’s refined townhouses reflecting Japanese design philosophy and private onsen features. Hinode Hills rounds out the trio with its expansive mountain views and upscale yet serene interiors.

To entice travellers to enjoy the early winter season, exclusive benefits to enhance the overall Niseko experience have been offered in various promotions, including discounts on ski rentals and private lessons, along with savings on lift passes for Niseko Village Snow School. With this range of upscale lodgings and added perks, winter visitors are well-poised for an unforgettable season in Japan’s snow capital.

For full details and bookings, visit niseko-village.com.

SINGAPORE AIRLINE ROLLS OUT NEW PREMIUM CABIN MENUS

Singapore Airlines has revealed its inflight menus designed by celebrated chef and MasterChef judge Monica Galetti, which will be served to premium customers on flights departing from the UK. Inspired by her South Pacific (Samoan-New Zealand) roots and training in classical French cuisine, Galetti has designed four seasonal menus for business class, first class and suite customers – available from October 2024 until November 2025.

Suites and first class guests will be treated to the same four-course meal, while those travelling in business class will be served a different three-course menu.

Galetti commented, “Bringing fine dining to customers at 35,000 ft is my most exciting culinary journey yet. From fresh lobster to fine caviar and warming soups to locally sourced lamb, customers can expect a world-class inflight dining experience on board Singapore Airlines flights.”

The autumn menu will be served until November 2024, and thereafter replaced by a winter menu from December 2024 until February 2025. Spring menus will follow from March until May, and summer dishes from June to August.

Singapore Airlines has a reputation for working with celebrated chefs for its inflight dining service, and currently works with five world-renowned chefs as part of its International Culinary Panel – including chefs Matt Moran and Georges Blanc

Premium passengers can also request meals from the carrier’s ‘Book the Cook’ service at least 24 hours prior to their flight departure, which features a selection of dishes created by the panel.

For menu details, visit singaporeair.com.

ROUTE CHANGES AND DELAYS AT BRITISH AIRWAYS INCLUDE KL

British Airways is implementing several cuts to its long-haul network this winter due to ongoing delays in engine deliveries from Rolls-Royce. The resumption of BA’s Heathrow-Kuala Lumpur route, initially planned for November 12, has now been postponed to April 2025.

Additionally, the airline will reduce its Heathrow-Doha service from twice daily to once daily for the winter season. However, there remains ample capacity on this route, with Qatar Airways (another oneworld alliance member) set to increase its Heathrow flights to eight per day during the same period.

British Airways is also suspending its Gatwick-JFK route from December 12 until the end of March 2025. This decision aligns with JetBlue’s recent suspension of its Gatwick services from both JFK and Boston for the winter.

The carrier explained that these schedule adjustments are due to delays in receiving Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines for its 787 fleet, and stated it is working closely with Rolls-Royce to address the impact on its schedules and ensure customers receive timely solutions.

Additionally, as part of its winter schedule adjustments, BA will suspend flights between Heathrow and Beijing, citing “commercial implications” due to extended flight times caused by restricted access to Russian airspace.

For details and updates, visit ba.com.