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

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

FLY THE CROWDED SKIES: PASSENGER NUMBERS PROJECTED TO GROW BY OVER 230% BY 2053

Airports Council International has released a new report on anticipated traffic growth over the next three decades, and the numbers may surprise even the most frequent fliers.

Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024–2053 projects that global air passenger numbers are expected to reach 17.7 billion by 2043, and 22.3 billion by 2053. To put this into context, the projected final passenger volumes for 2024 are expected to be around 9.5 billion.

ACI World said that stunning growth would be driven by factors including rising middle-class travel demand in emerging markets, strengthened international travel, and continued investments in airport infrastructure.

The growth in passenger volumes will also significantly increase the number of aircraft movements, which are forecast to reach 149 million by 2043, and 176 million by 2053, and ACI World warned that “airports worldwide will need to prepare for this growth by enhancing operational efficiency and investing in infrastructure.”

International passenger traffic is expected to grow at a faster rate than domestic traffic over the next 30 years, with a 3.3% compound annual growth rate for international traffic compared to 2.8% for domestic.

The council did however highlight short-term challenges including “geopolitical tensions, economic instability, trade shifts like reintroduced tariffs, and supply chain bottlenecks,” which could slow recovery in some regions.

Commenting on the news ACI World director general Justin Erbacci, said, “Despite the challenges in the near term, global air travel is poised for steady, sustained growth. It is crucial for airports, airlines, and policymakers to take bold, forward-thinking action to anticipate and meet the demands of the future.”

For additional information, visit aci.aero.

KOREAN AIR UNVEILS NEW CORPORATE BRANDING

SkyTeam member Korean Air has introduced its new corporate identity, revealing a modernized version of its signature ‘Taegeuk’ symbol. The redesigned deep blue Taegeuk symbol “reflects Korean Air’s heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics.”

The updated logo aligns with modern and global minimalist branding trends while preserving the airline’s distinct identity, Korean Air says.

The first aircraft to feature the new design is a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, also showcasing the airline’s latest ‘Prestige Suites 2.0’ cabin interiors and set to enter service on 12 March, operating from Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Narita.

“With the full integration of Asiana Airlines, our role as Korea’s flagship carrier has grown even more significant. We will bring together our expertise, refine our strengths and unite cultures to create an innovative, unmatched airline experience,” the airline said.

In addition to the rebranding announcement, Korean Air also unveiled its newly upgraded inflight meals. The carrier has collaborated with chef Seakyeong Kim, owner of Cesta in Seoul, to curate an exclusive selection of fine dining-inspired meals, including signature dishes such as octopus nurungji rice, beef brisket bibimbap, abalone rice, and royal hot pot (Shinseollo).

Economy class meals options have been also expanded beyond the traditional beef bibimbap to include salmon bibimbap and spicy stir-fried octopus with pork.

The upgraded inflight dining and service offerings will debut on March 12 across 10 major long-haul routes, including flights to New York, Paris, and London. By June, these enhancements will be available on all long-haul routes, followed by a rollout to medium- and short-haul routes starting in September.

For details, visit koreanair.com.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES DEPLOYS A330NEO ON AUCKLAND, BALI ROUTES

Malaysia Airlines says its all-new Airbus A330neo will be flying daily to Melbourne effective March 18, 2025. Moreover, the new arrival will be operating the KL-Auckland route four times a week from March 13, and it will be scheduled on the KL-Denpasar (Bali) route three times a week from March 16.

Malaysia Airlines finally got its second A330neo in mid-February, following lengthy delays caused by manufacturer Airbus. The oneworld member’s new A330neo features 28 business class seats (pictured), offering fully-flat beds, direct aisle access, and 17.3-inch HD entertainment screens. The economy class cabin, meanwhile, features 269 ergonomically designed seats equipped with 13.3-inch HD entertainment systems with 4K content capabilities.

Compared to the previous generation A330ceo, the A330neo has an increased range of over 13,300 km (7,200 nautical miles) and 25% lower fuel consumption and emissions. For now, Malaysia Airlines has made commitments to lease 20 A330neos.

Separately, in late February, the carrier’s fleet got another long-awaited capacity boost following the arrival of the 10th and 11th 737 Max 8 aircraft from Boeing. The new 737 Max aircraft will be deployed across Malaysia Airlines’ regional network, including also to Denpasar Bali alongside the A330neo. Malaysia Airlines has a total of 25 737 Max 8 aircraft on order.

Last year, the airline had to make significant network and capacity cuts after both Airbus and Boeing failed to deliver new aircraft on time.

For details and bookings, visit malaysiaairlines.com.

BOLT REPORTS STRONG INITIAL GROWTH IN GREATER KL

In transportation news affecting residents and visitors alike, Bolt, Europe’s leading mobility platform and the latest challenger to Grab’s dominance of the e-hailing market in Malaysia, has reported exceptional growth in the country in the first three months after launching its ride-hailing service in the Klang Valley region. Since its debut, the platform has seen a 540% increase in driver-partners and a 280% rise in registered passengers. According to a statement, this rapid adoption has “significantly improved” service efficiency, cutting average estimated arrival times by half, ensuring faster, more reliable rides for passengers while reinforcing Bolt’s commitment to a driver-first, cost-effective, and seamless ride-hailing experience.

Bolt is now expanding its offerings with the introduction of Bolt Executive, a new ride category designed for passengers seeking a premium, high-quality experience. Bolt Executive features a fleet of luxury MPVs, consisting exclusively of Toyota Vellfires and Toyota Alphards.

Afzan Lutfi, General Manager Malaysia at Bolt, said, “The response to Bolt in Malaysia has been incredible. In just three months, we’ve seen strong demand for a ride-hailing platform that puts drivers first, offers fairer earnings, and delivers better experiences for passengers. Our rapid growth shows that drivers are embracing the flexibility and earning potential that Bolt provides, while passengers enjoy faster, more affordable trips with toll charges included in fares for a smoother and more transparent experience. The introduction of Bolt Executive is a natural next step as we continue to expand our offerings, giving passengers more choice and creating new income opportunities for drivers. We’re just getting started, and we’re excited to grow alongside our partner drivers and passengers as we shape the future of ride-hailing in Malaysia.”

The Bolt app is available on Google Play and the Apple Store.

SHANGHAI LEADS, BUT KUALA LUMPUR MAKES TOP 10 FOR PROJECTED 2025 HOTEL ROOM OPENINGS

Commercial real estate information and analytics provider CoStar has released data on projected hotel room openings in major cities in 2025.

Shanghai (pictured) leads the pack by a considerable margin with a projected 7,953 new hotel rooms this year, followed by New York (5,719), London (5,632), and Dubai (5,344).

Other cities with notable projected room additions include Chengdu (4,821), Makkah, (4,749), Shenzhen (3,946), Qatar (3,936), Istanbul (3,920), Kuala Lumpur (3,841), and Riyadh (3,485).

In terms of regions, Asia-Pacific is projected to see 228,468 room openings this year, followed by the Americas (138,909), Europe (106,729) and the Middle East and Africa (50,683). Asia-Pacific also leads the way in figures for hotels currently under construction with 511,666 rooms.

MALAYSIA TO WELCOME ITS NEWEST AIRLINE IN 2025

As reported separately on this site, Malaysia’s aviation sector is set to welcome a new player as Ascend Airways Malaysia Sdn Bhd prepares for takeoff, with plans to operate two Boeing B737-800s and four B737 MAX 8s by the end of 2025.

Unlike previous Malaysian start-ups that struggled against industry heavyweights Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, Ascend Airways is taking a different approach. The airline will focus on providing Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) services for both passenger and cargo transport.

The airline is backed by UK-based Ascend Airways, which is part of Avia Solutions Group (ASG), the world’s largest ACMI provider headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. ASG operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft and manages 16 aviation-related businesses, covering ACMI services, cargo aviation, ground handling, aircraft leasing, maintenance, and overhaul.

In November 2024, Ascend Airways achieved a key milestone by securing conditional approval for an Air Service Permit (ASP) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom). The ASP is required for air transport providers offering unscheduled services, while an Air Service Licence (ASL) is needed for scheduled commercial airlines.

The airline is currently in the process of obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), a crucial step before launching operations. CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud confirmed recently that the airline is undergoing the necessary approvals for its AOC, though no official timeline has been provided.

To learn more, visit ascendairways.aero.

NEW INDONESIA AIRLINES PLANNED FOR NEAR-TERM LAUNCH

A new airline is planned for launch in Indonesia to capitalize on growing demand for international air travel, as the country’s overall international capacity is projected to rise by more than 6% during the upcoming summer 2025 season. But don’t start packing just yet: It appears that the airline is still in the planning stage at this time, so the first flight could still be a couple of years away.

Singapore-based investor Calypte Holding, with interests in renewable energy, agriculture, and aviation, has established a subsidiary called PT Indonesia Airlines Group, which will be based at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.

The planned carrier, branded Indonesia Airlines, expects to position itself as a premium airline, operating exclusively on international routes. It intends to serve 48 destinations across 30 countries within its first five years.

Business planning and feasibility studies are currently underway, with plans to gradually acquire a fleet of 20 aircraft. The proposed fleet is expected to include 10 Airbus A321neo or A321LR narrow-body aircraft and 10 widebody A350-900s or Boeing 787-9s.

Details of the planned carrier come as international capacity from Indonesia continues to rise, with data provided by OAG Schedules Analyser showing that the number of departure seats will reach almost 14.8 million during the northern summer 2025 season. This marks a 10.7% year-on-year increase, and a 6.3% rise compared to 2019 levels.

Indonesia’s international air travel recovery has been among the strongest in Southeast Asia, second only to Vietnam, which is now 13% above pre-pandemic levels. In comparison, international capacity in Singapore and Malaysia has increased by 2.2% compared to summer 2019, while the Philippines remains 5.8% below pre-pandemic levels and Thailand lags by 11.7%.

To learn more, visit www.calypteholding.com (site currently under construction).