News

Qantas and Airbus invest AUD$15 million in climate tech to decarbonize aviation.

In a significant move to combat aviation’s environmental impact, Qantas and Airbus have announced a joint commitment to invest AUD$15 million into Climate Tech Partners (CTP), a renowned venture capital fund dedicated to climate innovations. This investment aligns with their shared goal of accelerating the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other technologies aimed at decarbonizing aviation. The announcement was made in Sydney, where the executives from both companies, Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer Julie Kitcher and Qantas Chief Sustainability Officer Fiona Messent, revealed the strategic partnership. This collaboration is designed to fast-track the creation and commercialization of cutting-edge aviation solutions in Australia. CTP’s distinctive approach is rooted in collaborating closely with corporate partners to identify and support technological advancements tailored to meet the unique needs of the aviation industry. By working in tandem with Qantas and Airbus, the fund aims to stimulate innovation in SAF production, feedstock development, and other vital areas of the aviation value chain. The AUD$15 million will be allocated through a dedicated investment vehicle, complementing CTP’s main fund, with a clear focus on Australian initiatives. The collaboration is particularly crucial in addressing the gap between emerging climate technologies and their scalability for commercial production in Australia. By targeting start-ups at the forefront of SAF and related innovations, the investment is expected to pave the way for the adoption of sustainable aviation solutions.

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Songkran 2025 Travel Boom in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Mai Driven by Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia

As the countdown to Thailand’s vibrant Songkran festival begins, international travelers have already signaled their intentions loud and clear. Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Mai are gearing up for a massive tourism surge this April as Songkran 2025 ignites global interest. Travelers from Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia are leading the charge, drawn to Thailand’s iconic New Year celebrations filled with festive water fights, cultural parades, and street parties. While these nations lead in search volume, Chinese travelers and tourism stakeholders are paying close attention. Why? Because Songkran isn’t just a festival—it’s a thermometer for regional travel recovery, demand trends, and cross-border tourism readiness. For China’s travel industry, Songkran serves as a key case study in how post-pandemic cultural events are drawing short-haul travelers back in large numbers. From Southeast Asia with love: A shift in short-haul travel dynamics Agoda’s insights indicate that Malaysia tops the list of source markets showing keen interest in celebrating Songkran in Thailand. Closely behind are travelers from Hong Kong SAR and Indonesia, suggesting a strong appetite among neighboring countries for experiential, cultural tourism. South Korea and the Philippines round out the top five. This movement, while geographically centered in Southeast Asia, is of strategic importance to China’s tourism industry. These travel behaviors reflect a clear pivot toward regional, festival-based travel, underpinned by affordable air connectivity, digital booking platforms, and flexible visa regimes. China, still recalibrating its own outbound tourism systems, can observe this as a signal of where regional attention is flowing—and how to reenter the game competitively.

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Emirates Launches New Era of Sustainable Flying with Circular Supply Chain Alliance

In a bold step to champion environmental responsibility and innovation, Emirates has officially joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC), a strategic alliance working to reshape aviation’s future through sustainable, circular practices. Teaming up with SL Metals, a leader in aluminium alloy distribution across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Emirates is reinforcing its long-term commitment to decarbonising the aviation supply chain while reducing waste and embracing resource efficiency. The ACC, formed to drive aviation’s shift toward a circular economy, celebrated the unveiling of its 2050 Industry Roadmap in November 2024. The addition of Emirates signals not only the Consortium’s rapid expansion but also a turning point in how major carriers are prioritising eco-conscious operations and long-term decarbonisation goals. As the second airline to join the ACC, Emirates brings unique value through its comprehensive sustainability strategies and industry influence. Driving Circular Change in Aviation Emirates’ membership in the ACC is more than symbolic—it is a proactive step in shaping the industry’s sustainability future. The Dubai-based carrier has already embedded circular principles across its operations. From repurposing cabin interiors and incorporating eco-friendly materials to in-flight waste reduction and recycling programmes, the airline has shown that sustainable innovation can coexist with luxury and world-class service. Now, as part of the ACC, Emirates is set to expand its efforts beyond internal initiatives to contribute toward sector-wide transformation. This includes sharing insights on managing aircraft end-of-life solutions, minimising environmental impact during fleet upgrades, and collaborating on cutting-edge recycling techniques.

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Cordelia Cruises expands fleet with the acquisition of Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun

In a landmark development for the global cruise industry, Cordelia Cruises, India’s premier cruise line, and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), a leading global cruise brand under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., have officially signed an agreement for the transfer of Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun to Cordelia’s growing fleet. These additions mark a significant milestone in Cordelia’s journey to make cruise holidays more accessible, aspirational, and world-class for Indian travellers. Jurgen Bailom- President and CEO of Waterways Leisure pvt ltd - Cordelia Cruises (2) “We are thrilled to welcome these iconic vessels to the Cordelia fleet, building on the overwhelming success of Empress, which redefined cruise holidays for Indian travellers,” said Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Cordelia Cruises. “With the addition of Sky and Sun, we are entering a new era of cruise holidays for Indian guests, one that is bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever before.” Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, both part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s acclaimed Sun-class series, bring with them a legacy of world-class cruising, thoughtful design, and guest comfort. Each ship measures approximately 850 feet in length, with a gross tonnage of approximately 77,000, and is capable of accommodating around 2,000 guests and 900 crew members. Together, they will more than double Cordelia’s current capacity and enable the brand to explore new regions and offer broader, more immersive cruise experiences. One of the most significant upgrades with this expansion is the improved mix of stateroom categories. Both ships feature over 1,000 cabins each, including a selection of accommodations from solo staterooms to balconies and suites. Guests can look forward to an elevated onboard experience with multiple speciality dining venues, an elegant theatre and entertainment venues, casinos, a wellness centre, shops, an arcade, pools, sun decks, a fitness zone, and dedicated children’s and family entertainment areas. These sister ships are known for their spacious layouts, warm ambience, and versatility, catering seamlessly to both short getaways and longer destination-focused itineraries.

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IndiGo launches IndiGoStretch on Delhi-Hyderabad Route

IndiGo has announced the expansion of its premium product, IndiGoStretch, to the Delhi–Hyderabad route, starting April 15, 2025, ensuring a more relaxed and comfortable journey. IndiGo currently offers IndiGoStretch on all flights between Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Bengaluru. From April 15, 2025, this product will also be available on all flights between Delhi and Chennai. Alongside the offering on the domestic network, IndiGoStretch is offered to the customers on the Delhi–Bangkok route. By the end of this year, 45 aircraft equipped with IndiGoStretch will be inducted into the fleet. Promising a relaxed and comfortable journey, IndiGoStretch customers can enjoy complimentary benefits like priority check-in, anytime boarding, advance seat selection, and zero convenience fee. IndiGoStretch offers a generous baggage allowance starting from 30 kg (two bags) in check-in and one bag of 12 kg in the cabin. The IndiGoStretch cabin features a two-seat wide bay and plush RECARO-designed premium seats with enhanced legroom and comfort. Each seat offers a 96 cm (38-inch pitch), 54 cm (21.3-inch width), and a 12 cm (5-inch recline). Added features include a six-way adjustable headrest, device holders, USB-C power ports (60W), and a three-pin universal power outlet, providing travellers with both relaxation and productivity. Passengers also enjoy gourmet in-flight meals, specially curated by Oberoi Flight Services, as part of the premium service experience.

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IATA Introduces Global Contactless Travel Directory to Boost Airport Efficiency with Biometric Services

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled its innovative Contactless Travel Directory, designed to significantly accelerate the global adoption of biometric travel solutions. This directory will streamline the ability of airlines to integrate and expand biometric services at airports, improving passenger experience by reducing dependence on traditional paper-based travel documents like passports and boarding passes. According to the IATA official website and various aviation authorities, the new Contactless Travel Directory will offer an efficient matchmaking platform, allowing airlines to quickly identify available biometric travel points at specific airports and coordinate these solutions with their partner carriers. The goal is to create a seamless, paperless journey for passengers through critical checkpoints, including baggage drop, security checks, lounge access, and boarding. Key Features of the Contactless Travel Directory The IATA Contactless Travel Directory provides essential tools for airlines to facilitate the smooth implementation of biometric systems across their networks. Notably: Single reference hub: Airlines can determine the availability of biometric travel touchpoints at airports within their network, helping to streamline the planning and deployment process. Traveler eligibility data: Comprehensive location-specific information regarding traveler eligibility based on nationality, passport compatibility, and age, ensuring airlines can accurately identify passengers qualified for biometric services. Technical interoperability: Standardized protocols and guidelines enabling seamless connectivity between airlines and various airport biometric points, fostering efficient integration and enhancing overall airport security management.

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