Stay updated with the latest in the travel industry, from airline launches and route expansions to travel trends and industry developments shaping the way we explore the world.

This is the February 2025 edition of Airline and Travel News.

lyf GEORGETOWN PENANG INTRODUCES A NEW ERA OF SOCIAL LIVING

lyf Georgetown Penang, the latest co-living space by The Ascott Limited, has officially opened in the heart of George Town, redefining modern hospitality with a focus on community-driven experiences and cultural immersion. Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site area, the property blends heritage charm with contemporary innovation, offering a unique stay for digital nomads, travellers, and creatives.

Designed for flexibility and collaboration, lyf Georgetown Penang features 144 rooms across multiple configurations, catering to solo travellers and groups alike. Communal spaces such as the UNWIND Lounge, CONNECT Event Space, COLLAB Meeting Room, and BOND Kitchen encourage social interaction, while the BURN Social Gym, DIP Pool (feature image, above), and WASH & HANG laundry area add a fun, lifestyle-driven element to the stay.

The property integrates smart technology through mobile key access and app-enabled services, enhancing convenience for guests. Its curated lyf Perks programme partners with local businesses and artisans, offering exclusive experiences and discounts. Additionally, the Door of Cosmic Dreams art installation adds a creative touch, inviting guests to embrace discovery and new horizons.

With rates starting from RM308+ per night, lyf Georgetown Penang is set to be a dynamic hub for connection and inspiration in the heart of Penang.

For more information and bookings, visit discoverasr.com/en/lyf/malaysia/lyf-georgetown-penang

THAI AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES THE RELAUNCH OF ITS PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS

Bangkok-based Star Alliance member Thai Airways has officially relaunched its premium economy class offering.

The premium economy product is currently only available on two Airbus A330-300 aircraft that joined the Thai Airways fleet in late 2024 via a leasing agreement with Chinese lessor CDB Aviation. The flag carrier last offered a premium economy product on its retired A340 aircraft.

The two Thai Airways A330-300s with premium economy are now operating services between the airline’s Bangkok hub and Fukuoka in Japan, as well as Delhi and Mumbai in India. The two A330-300s previously operated for Virgin Atlantic Airways and retain that carrier’s configuration, i.e., 31 lie-flat business class seats, 48 premium economy recliners, and 185 standard economy class seats.

The 31 ‘Royal Silk’ business class seats are in a 1-1-1 reverse herringbone configuration, while premium economy is configured 2-3-2 and economy class 2-4-2.

Thai Airways is currently operating flights to 64 destinations worldwide, including double daily service to Frankfurt, London, Sydney and Melbourne.

Last month, Thai Airways unveiled its new ‘Royal Silk’ business class seat for its regional narrowbody Airbus A320 aircraft. The new cabins feature 12 seats in a 2-2 configuration across the first three rows, and they come with adjustable headrests and legrests, but no in-built entertainment systems.

To learn more, visit thaiairways.com.

IN A NEW MOVE, ETIHAD ADDS THE A380 TO ITS SINGAPORE ROUTE

Etihad Airways has rostered one of its superjumbos onto flights between Abu Dhabi and Singapore for the first time. The A380 replaces the carrier’s Boeing 787-10 on the route, increasing capacity by 28% and adding more than 700 weekly seats.

It also means Etihad is now offering The Residence suite on flights to Singapore, as well as The Lobby lounge for business and first class passengers. In total, the superjumbo is configured with The Residence, nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios, and 405 Economy Smart seats.

The A380 schedules see flight EY0498 depart Abu Dhabi at 2205, arriving into Singapore at 0935 the following day, with the return leg EY0499 leaving Changi at 1925 and landing back into the UAE at 2320.

Back in 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline had put its fleet of A380s into long-term storage, and Etihad Group’s CEO Tony Douglas was quoted as saying that “I’m sure it’s very likely that we won’t see them operating with Etihad again.”

However, this decision was reversed in July 2023 following “a surge in demand for travel,” when the first of four superjumbos was brought back into service on the Abu Dhabi-London route.

The superjumbo now operates three of Etihad’s four daily flights to Heathrow, and has also returned to New York and Paris. The carrier also recently operated its A380 to Mumbai for a special four-month period to celebrate its 20th anniversary of flights to the Indian city.

Commenting on the news, Arik De, chief revenue and commercial officer of Etihad Airways, said, “As a vibrant and dynamic city, Singapore is always going to be a key destination in our global network. The decision to deploy our much-loved A380 boosts our travel offering between Abu Dhabi and Singapore and highlights our resolve to go beyond by delivering fantastic travel experiences across Etihad’s growing global network.

“Bringing the A380 to Singapore, along with our broader network expansion plans – including increased frequency on key routes – demonstrates our strong growth momentum in Asia. This added capacity reflects the growing demand we’re seeing for travel to and from Singapore.”

For details and bookings, visit etihad.com.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES SHIFTS TO MERCEDES FOR PRIVATE TRANSFERS

In 2024, oneworld member Malaysia Airlines began offering private limousine transfers between the two terminals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) with a fleet of electric BMW cars.

This partnership has now ended, and going forward, Malaysia Airlines will partner with Mercedes-Benz for the initiative, which will provide a fleet of its flagship models including the S580e Plug-in Hybrid and all-electric EQS 500 4MATIC for the private terminal transfer service.

The private transfers will remain available to business class passengers and Platinum members of the airline’s Enrich frequent flyer programme. Meanwhile, premium passengers of other airlines arriving at KLIA’s satellite terminal will still need to take buses to move between terminals.

Moreover, starting March 1, customers who purchase Mercedes-Benz vehicles will enjoy year-round access to Malaysia Airlines’ private terminal transfers as part of a wider-ranging lifestyle partnership between the companies.

“We are dedicated to enhancing travel experiences by elevating service standards. Our partnership with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia ensures Enrich members and elite passengers enjoy premium comfort,” said Philip See, chief executive officer of loyalty and travel services at MAG.

“This supports our efforts to enhance in-flight and on-ground offerings, reinforcing Malaysia Airlines’ premium service. In addition, through exclusive privileges and curated engagements, we strive to elevate the Enrich experience, ensuring seamless and rewarding journeys beyond flying,” See added.

For details and bookings, visit malaysiaairlines.com.

RAFFLES SENTOSA SINGAPORE TO OPEN IN MARCH

Raffles Sentosa Singapore – the country’s first all-villa resort – will open its doors on March 1, and the hotel is now taking enquiries for bookings, including stays, weddings, and events, as well as spa and dining experiences.

The Raffles brand has been synonymous with luxury and exceptional service since its founding in Singapore in 1887, with the new Sentosa resort complementing Raffles Singapore, one of the world’s most iconic hotels located on 1 Beach Road in downtown Singapore.

Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, Raffles Sentosa Singapore will feature 62 villas, ranging from 210 sqm for a one-bedroom pool villa to 650 sqm for the four-bedroom Royal Villa.

Every villa includes a private pool and outdoor terrace, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the lush landscaping. Guests of the resort will also enjoy the legendary Raffles Butler service, ensuring their every need is met.

The spa at Raffles Sentosa Singapore, set in a converted heritage landmark with 13 treatment rooms, will offer experiences steeped in holistic wellness.

Raffles Sentosa Singapore will also offer five exceptional restaurants and lounges showcasing a diverse array of global cuisines, including the resort’s signature Empire Grill, where guests can savour authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

“Raffles Sentosa Singapore will be an enchanting sanctuary, where nature, heritage, and wellness come together with the legendary traditions and world-class hospitality of the Raffles brand to create truly unforgettable experiences,” said Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, cluster general manager of Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa.

“The resort will also offer the perfect setting for private retreats, family gatherings, and celebrating significant milestones.”

For all the details, visit raffles.com.

IN REMARKABLE TURNAROUND, CATHAY PACIFIC COMPLETES ITS POST-PANDEMIC RECOVERY

In the full year of 2024, Hong Kong’s Cathay Group achieved new post-pandemic highs for total passengers and cargo carried. Cathay Pacific and low-cost HK Express carried a combined total of more than 28 million passengers, marking an increase of 30.7% year on year.

Cathay Pacific carried a total of 2,248,950 passengers in December 2024, an increase of 26.4% compared with December 2023, and the passenger load factor increased by 3.6 percentage points to 84.8%.

In the airline’s latest outlook released in late January, Cathay chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau said that looking ahead the group remains firmly focused on further strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub, and adding more flights and destinations for both passengers and cargo customers.

“Just recently, Cathay Pacific announced the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome starting June this year. As a Group, we have already announced six new destinations so far for 2025 as we strive towards reaching 100 destinations worldwide this year,” said Lau.

“With the Lunar New Year approaching, we are seeing bookings accelerate as customers plan their holiday travel after the Christmas season. After the Lunar New Year peak, we expect leisure travel demand from Hong Kong to be quieter, with our flights carrying more transit passengers leveraging our strong global network,” she added.

To learn more, visit cathaypacific.com.