Jetstar Opens Pilot Aircraft Base In Perth

Jetstar Airways is making Perth, Australia, its latest base, as the carrier boosts its international network from the West Australian city. With the growth objectives, Jetstar will open a pilot base for at least 60 pilots, and base four aircrafts such as Airbus A321LRs. The airline has also taken in a new pipeline of A320NEO aircraft which raise capacity for the entire airline. Expansion and growth for the airline include three new international routes from Perth to Singapore, Phuket and Bangkok with more to be revealed. Further connections to the Singapore hub will access other Jetstar asian destinations. Jetstar has the third-largest share of system capacity at Perth Airport, again measured in weekly seats. Its share of 8.1% is behind parent company Qantas with 39.7%, and Virgin Australia with 23.3%. The carrier will join three incumbent carriers on the Perth-Singapore route, according to CAPA data: Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Scoot.

A new dawn in river cruising: Mekong Serenity leads the way in Vietnam and Cambodia

Australia Pacific Touring (APT) has added to its award-winning river cruise fleet with its most spacious five-star river ship yet, the Mekong Serenity. The ship is currently sailing itineraries through Vietnam and Cambodia’s major waterways. With just 44 suites on board the Mekong Serenity, the ship’s entry-level suites are a generous 28 square metres. All suites have floor-to-ceiling windows opened to river views and decked out with a discrete private balcony. Amenities aboard the ship include Horizon Pool Bar & Grill, Serenity Spa & Wellness Centre and the cool refinement of the air-conditioned Harmony Lounge & Bar. Other amenities include a resort-style pool and a fitness centre. APT’s most popular key itinerary on the new Mekong Serenity is the 13-day Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights which includes an in-depth exploration of Siem Reap and the ancient city of Angkor, a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat providing a glimpse into the

Kuching, first in the region to power public transport with hydrogen

Sarawak’s state capital of Kuching is set to become the first in Southeast Asia to use hydrogen to power its urban transport system. With Autonomous Rapid Transit vehicles and buses forming the backbone of the city’s public transport, the hydrogen powered services are aimed at reducing congestion. Stretching 70 km across three lines, the first passenger services will begin in stages starting from the fourth quarter of 2025. The state has ordered 38 sets of rolling stock and 55 feeder buses from Chinese companies, with the first set arriving in July 2024. Additionally, with the H2 Sarawak App, visitors and travellers to the city have information on historical landmarks and places of interest. Overall, the new system is set to transform commutes in the city and provide a unique travel experience.

Indonesian conglomerate Sinar Mas to open hotel in new capital

Indonesian conglomerate Sinar Mas, through its property arm Sinar Mas Land, plans to open a five-star hotel in Indonesia's new capital Nusantara, situated in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. With the government set to relocate some key functions from Jakarta to Nusantara in August 2024, Sinar Mas Land CEO Michael Widjaja views this as a significant opportunity, highlighting the hotel as a joint investment with other Indonesian business groups. This move, following Marriott International's announcement to open three hotels in Nusantara, signals confidence in the new capital's potential to draw foreign investment and develop into a "green and smart global city," in line with President Joko Widodo's vision for the country's development and net-zero carbon emissions pledge by 2060. The groundbreaking for the new property is expected in the first half of next year, positioning Sinar Mas Land as a key player in this pioneering phase of Nusantara's development.

Singapore announces cross-border payment links with Indonesia, Malaysia

Singapore has initiated cross-border QR code payment linkages with Indonesia and real-time payment systems with Malaysia, aiming to facilitate instant and cost-effective transactions. This advancement allows customers to make retail payments and person-to-person funds transfers through PayNow in Singapore and DuitNow in Malaysia, using QR codes or mobile numbers. The move, launched at the Singapore FinTech Festival, is seen as a significant milestone in financial integration within the region, offering convenience to a large number of travelers and strengthening ASEAN’s vision for regional payment connectivity. With the participation of major financial institutions, this initiative underscores Singapore's commitment to innovation and regional economic collaboration. By 2024, a local currency settlement framework will also be operational, enhancing trade and reducing exchange rate risks for businesses in Singapore and Indonesia.

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