News

Edelweiss Secures CLA25 Approval, Ensuring Long-Term Stability and Growth

Edelweiss, the Swiss-based airline, is celebrating a resounding success following the acceptance of its new collective labor agreement, CLA25. The agreement was approved by the cabin crew with a notable 83.8% participation rate and an overwhelming 91.9% approval rate. Set to take effect on May 1, 2025, CLA25 brings with it a minimum five-year term, marking an important milestone in the airline’s commitment to long-term stability and growth. The agreement follows the successful approval of a similar contract for the airline’s pilots last year, further solidifying Edelweiss’s dedication to maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships with its employees. With this second collective labor agreement in place, Edelweiss is poised to continue its journey of expansion while ensuring that its workforce remains well-compensated and motivated. A Bold Step into the Future: Airbus A350 Fleet A major aspect of Edelweiss’s forward-looking strategy is the addition of six state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft to its fleet. This next-generation fleet represents not only an investment in technology and sustainability but also in creating an optimal working environment for both pilots and cabin crew. The Airbus A350s will set new standards in comfort and innovation, providing crews with state-of-the-art technology, quiet zones, and well-designed workspaces.

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Swissôtel Living Debuts First Asian Location in Jakarta’s Mega Kuningan

In a significant milestone for the luxury hospitality sector, Indonesia proudly hosts the debut of Swissôtel Living’s first Asian property with the opening of Jakarta Mega Kuningan. This exciting launch introduces a new standard of urban living, blending Swiss sophistication with modern Indonesian design. Located in Jakarta’s thriving Mega Kuningan district, the residence offers both long-term homes and short-term stays, providing an ideal choice for business and leisure travelers alike. This marks the beginning of Swissôtel Living’s expansion in Asia, bringing world-class service and sustainable luxury to one of the region’s most dynamic cities. Partnering with PT Tokyu Land Indonesia, Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan embodies a contemporary approach to urban living. This property merges minimalist Japanese design with Swiss elegance, leveraging the strengths of both partners to create a unique experience. Swissôtel Living caters to both long-term residents and short-term visitors, offering 240 meticulously designed serviced apartments in the vibrant Mega Kuningan business district. Ranging from studio units to spacious one- and two-bedroom residences, each apartment is equipped with a fully functional kitchen, expansive living areas, in-room washing machines, high-end Pürovel bath amenities, and cozy bedrooms. Guests also benefit from seamless connectivity, with easy access to key roadways that lead to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. The property boasts a wellness center, sauna, and an outdoor swimming pool set amidst verdant gardens, providing ample space for relaxation and revitalization. Notably, Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan is one of Indonesia’s pioneering serviced apartment complexes powered entirely by renewable energy. This commitment significantly lowers its carbon footprint, contributing to the city’s environmental sustainability goals. Additionally, the project supports Jakarta’s urban development with enhancements such as new bicycle lanes along Sudirman Road and infrastructure upgrades in the Mega Kuningan area.

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Air India Express Starts North Goa Flights, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi Routes in May

Air India Express has expanded its operations in Goa with the launch of services from Manohar International Airport (GOX) in North Goa, starting April 15, 2025. This strategic move complements the airline’s existing network at Goa International Airport (GOI) in South Goa and strengthens its footprint across the state. With this dual-airport strategy, Air India Express now operates over 115 weekly flights to and from Goa—75 from GOI and more than 40 from GOX. The airline has introduced new direct flights from North Goa to Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Indore. It will operate twice-daily services to Delhi, daily flights to Bengaluru and Indore, and six-times-weekly flights to Chennai. Services to Hyderabad are scheduled to begin on May 3, 2025. Expanding its international reach, the airline will also launch direct flights to Kuwait from May 3, followed by Abu Dhabi from May 5, 2025. A commemorative event was held at Manohar International Airport to celebrate the commencement of operations. The ceremony was attended by Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer, and Shashi Chetia, Vice President – Network Planning, Air India Express, along with Anand Ramachandran, Deputy CEO, Manohar International Airport. Key stakeholders from CISF, Customs, and operational partners were also present. A ceremonial boarding pass was presented to the first passenger of the inaugural flight. Air India Express already operates 75 weekly flights from Goa International Airport (GOI), connecting major Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, and offering international services to Dubai. Travellers can also explore curated vacation packages through the airline’s ‘Xpress Holidays’ platform, which provides end-to-end experiences including flights, hotels, transfers, and local excursions.

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Vietnam Opens Doors To More Aircraft Imports With New Certifications From US, Brazil, Canada, Russia, UK, And China

Vietnam has expanded its aircraft import regulations to include certifications from Brazil, Canada, Russia, the UK, and China, significantly broadening the range of aircraft eligible for import. This move aims to enhance the flexibility of the country’s airline industry by allowing a wider selection of aircraft types, fostering international collaboration, and improving fleet management. The decision reflects Vietnam’s commitment to supporting its growing aviation sector and strengthening ties with global aviation authorities, ensuring a more diverse and efficient range of aircraft for domestic airlines. Vietnam has recently issued a new government decree aimed at expanding the range of aircraft eligible for import. This move is designed to offer greater flexibility to airlines operating within the country and to enhance international cooperation in the aviation sector. By broadening the pool of available aircraft, the decree allows airlines to more effectively manage their fleets and operations, particularly in light of increasing demand for air travel. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Brazil’s Civil Aviation Agency, Transport Canada’s Civil Aviation (TCCA), Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya), the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom (UK CAA), China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC), and Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction.

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Thailand Tops 10 Million Visitors, Boosted by Songkran Festival

Thailand surpasses ten million tourist arrivals in 2025 as the vibrant Songkran Festival fuels record growth, massive spending, and soaring international demand. Thailand Celebrates Over 10.7 Million Tourist Arrivals in 2025 as Songkran Festival Sparks Travel Boom Thailand has welcomed approximately ten point seven million international tourists so far in 2025, with over 666,000 arriving during the lively Songkran festival week, as confirmed by a recent government statement. on April 15. The influx of tourists has generated more than 510 billion baht in tourism revenue, underscoring the country’s strong recovery and the success of its latest tourism campaigns. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong credited the surge in arrivals to the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025, which wrapped up its official festivities yesterday. The Thai New Year celebration, held nationwide from April 13 to 15, transformed cities across the country into vibrant hubs of activity. Key celebration hotspots included Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Hat Yai, which drew international crowds eager to experience one of Thailand’s most iconic cultural events.

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Germany’s Tourism Boom Driven by 28% Increase in Direct Flights from India, Attracting More Travelers

Germany’s tourism industry is experiencing exceptional growth, with Indian travelers playing a pivotal role in this surge. The country has seen a significant increase in the number of visitors, marking a notable rise in tourism compared to prior years. With enhanced air connectivity between India and Germany, tourism has expanded remarkably, with monthly flights climbing from 241 in January 2019 to 309 in January 2025, reflecting a 28% increase. This rise in direct flights highlights Germany’s growing attraction for Indian tourists, offering greater convenience and a smoother travel experience. Today, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) and the German Embassy in India hosted a successful press conference, positioning Germany as the ultimate destination for Indian travelers. The event introduced exclusive packages catering to those seeking romantic escapes, nature-filled adventures, and sustainable travel options. Acknowledging the growing interest of Indian tourists, GNTB unveiled curated packages specifically designed to meet their preferences. In 2024, India experienced a substantial 8.6% increase in overnight stays, with 71,138 more Indian tourists staying in Germany, bringing the total to 897,841. The average length of stay for Indian tourists also rose to 9.6 nights in 2024, compared to 9.3 nights in 2023, highlighting deeper engagement with the destination. This remarkable growth, coupled with a report by Skift India revealing that Indian travelers’ spending grew four times faster than the global average, emphasizes the strategic importance of this market. The new tourism packages will position Germany as the ideal destination for Indian honeymooners and cultural explorers, offering a unique blend of romance and historical richness.

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