KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) — Asia’s best travel booking app, AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) kicks off the year by announcing its first global airline partnership of 2026 with Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest budget carrier operator.
Through this partnership, the budget carrier has authorised MOVE to distribute its flight inventory on the MOVE platform, connecting millions of users to the airline’s extensive network across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Caucasus, and Southeast Asia directly. The partnership underscores MOVE’s ongoing commitment to making travel more affordable for everyone, while supporting its growth as a leading OTA within and beyond the Asean region.
Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Air Arabia, to join our growing network of direct airline partners. This partnership further enhances our mission to bring even more trusted and affordable travel options to our users. It also strengthens our commitment to connecting travellers across regions with ‘Travel More For Less’ experiences.”
In addition to Air Arabia, MOVE partners directly with over 70 other notable global carriers such as Royal Brunei Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Etihad. MOVE also offers a selection of about 700 other airlines through its authorised suppliers on its platform. Beyond flights, the platform offers access to over one million hotels, airport transfers, online duty-free shopping, live event tickets, travel insurance and more.
Airlines who are interested to be listed on MOVE’s OTA platform can visit here to learn more and submit details.
For the latest updates, follow @airasiamove on Instagram & TikTok. Download the app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery for a smooth and enhanced booking experience.
SOURCE: AirAsia MOVE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Name: Ryan Chan AirAsia MOVE Communications Email: loionchanl@airasia.com
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) — Taiwan-based luxury carrier, STARLUX Airlines marked a major transcontinental milestone with the delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 wide-body aircraft, becoming the first Taiwanese airline to operate the aircraft type.
The aircraft, registration B-58551, was officially handed over at Airbus’s Toulouse headquarters and flown nonstop to Taipei by STARLUX Chairman K.W. Chang. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, the aircraft was greeted with a ceremonial water salute.
STARLUX Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Chai said the delivery of the first A350-1000 marked a new era in the airline’s long-haul capabilities, as the aircraft can reach the United States (US) East Coast while delivering exceptional fuel efficiency and superior passenger comfort.
“This allows us to extend our signature service from Taipei to even more destinations across North America and Europe,” he said in a statement.
The aircraft introduces a refreshed STARLUX livery inspired by its extensive use of advanced composite materials, with more than 50 per cent of the airframe built from carbon-fibre-reinforced composites. A bold “1000” marking along the fuselage highlights its status as the largest A350 variant and the airline’s new long-haul flagship.
Configured with four cabin classes – First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy – the A350-1000 offers 350 seats designed for long-distance comfort. Its range of up to 9,700 miles (15,600 kilometres) will support STARLUX’s expansion into North American and European markets.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the aircraft delivers a 25 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation planes, while providing one of the quietest and most spacious cabins in its class.
With this delivery, STARLUX enters the next phase of long-haul expansion, planning to launch its initial European routes in the second half of 2026, with additional aircraft deliveries enabling future services to the US East Coast.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (Bernama) — The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched the “GO TOKYO Gourmet” website to promote Tokyo’s diverse food attractions to audiences in Japan and overseas through curated articles and videos.
In a statement, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said the website aims to deepen visitors’ interest in Tokyo’s food culture and encourage them to visit the Japanese capital to experience its cuisine firsthand.
Tokyo’s culinary appeal is defined by its breadth, spanning traditional dishes rooted in the Edo period, globally influenced cuisines, locally sourced ingredients shaped by the city’s natural environment, and high-quality restaurants led by acclaimed chefs from Japan and abroad.
Beyond dining recommendations, the website highlights the depth of Tokyo’s food culture, exploring its history and traditions from the Edo period to the present day, as well as the creativity and perspectives of food professionals who shape the city’s culinary landscape.
The platform also provides practical information to enhance dining experiences, including guidance on enjoying Japanese food, insights into local services and dining etiquette, updates on food-related events, and links to restaurant reservation sites, including options catering to vegan and halal preferences.
Content on the site features chefs appointed as Tokyo Tourism Ambassadors, chefs active in the capital, food specialists, and other leading figures who offer insights into the richness and evolution of Tokyo’s food culture.
In addition, dedicated sections explore Tokyo’s food heritage rooted in Edo, iconic local dishes, and the evolution of dining culture, alongside popular food experiences among travellers, such as ramen, rice balls, convenience store gourmet offerings, and the city’s distinctive vending machine culture.
(HKTB provides satellite live feed and social media livestreaming of countdown in Central. Details on pages 2-5)
HONG KONG, Dec 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that this year’s New Year Countdown will take place at the Chater Road Pedestrian Precinct in Central. The event will feature a brand-new format combining live performances by renowned singers and a light show, aiming to spread positive energy and heartfelt blessings. Additionally, HKTB has introduced a variety of countdown activities across Hong Kong on its website to make it easier for both locals and visitors to participate and welcome the New Year with new hopes.
A novel countdown showcase combining music and lights
From 11:30 pm on New Year’s Eve to 00:10 am on New Year’s Day, the event will feature a thrilling line-up of music performances. Headlining the event will be internationally acclaimed group Air Supply, performing a selection of their timeless classics, on top of live appearances by renowned local artists Jay Fung and Cloud Wan. There will also be performances from a children’s choir and the Hong Kong Police Band, setting the stage for the countdown moment.
The walls of eight iconic buildings participating in the Immersive Light Show in Central will welcome the New Year with light projections of a giant countdown clock and seasonal patterns. These buildings will present a three-minute light performance, themed “New Hopes, New Beginnings”, sending blessings to both the on-site audience and viewers worldwide as we welcome the New Year.
This year’s countdown event is fully supported by Hongkong Land, the partner for Winter Wonderland in Central.
Large screens will be set up in Chater Garden and Edinburgh Place with live broadcasts of the performances and countdown. Additionally, an outdoor live projection will be displayed at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. A giant countdown clock will be shown on the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, building anticipation as midnight approaches.
The New Year countdown will be broadcast live on a number of media channels, including the official HKTB website, DiscoverHongKong.com, HKTB’s social media channels (Facebook & YouTube). HKTB will simultaneously broadcast the event via satellite to audiences around the world to welcome 2026.
HKTB one-stop website showcases countdown activities across the city
On New Year’s Eve, various countdown activities will take place across the city, including the “New Year’s Eve Countdown Party Moment” in Hong Kong Disneyland, and for the first time, a special countdown concert in West Kowloon Cultural District, as locals and visitors celebrate the arrival of 2026. HKTB’s one-stop travel information portal provides a list of various countdown activities in Hong Kong to help the public plan their itinerary.
Reference images of Hong Kong New Year Countdown are available for download at the link above.
Post-event video footage and photos of Hong Kong New Year Countdown will be available for download from 1 January 2026, 03:00 Hong Kong Time (31 December 2025 GMT 19:00).
Information of Social Media Livestreaming and Satellite Live Feed of “Hong Kong New Year Countdown”
31 December 2025, 23:25-24:17 Hong Kong Time (GMT 15:25-16:17)
2. Details of Satellite Feed for Broadcasters:
Live feed time
31 December 2025, 23:35-24:10 Hong Kong Time (GMT 15:35-16:10)
Signal testing time
31 December 2025, 20:00-20:15 Hong Kong Time (GMT 12:00-12:15)
Technical support
Tel: (852) 2888 1944/ (852) 2883 2867
For RTMP live streaming signals or other technical support related to live broadcasts and live streaming, please contact the Hong Kong Tourism Board to arrange the necessary services.
Asia Sat 5, 100.5 degrees East (covering Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe, CIS and Australia)
Programme Name
New Year Countdown Event
On-air Date and Time
GMT: 31 Dec 2025 15:35 – 16:10
Satellite
Asia Sat 5（100.5°EAST）/ C-band
Transponder
TXP C9V 9_4V (9MHz)
Uplink Frequency
6218.5 MHz (Horizontal)
Downlink Frequency
3993.5 MHz (Vertical)
Symbol rate
7.2 Msps
FEC
3 / 4
Video Format
High Definition 1080i/50 4:2:0
Aspect Ratio
16 : 9
Modulation
DVB-S2 / 8PSK
Pilot
on
Roll off
0.2
Encoding Bit Rate
14.0Mbps (MPEG4 H.264)
Encryption
NIL- Free to Air
Audio assignment
1
Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
2
Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
3
Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
4
Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
IntelSat 19, 166.0 degrees East (covering Asia-Pacific region with reach to the Western United States)
Programme Name
New Year Countdown Event
On-air Date and Time
GMT: 31 Dec 2025 15:35 – 16:10
Satellite
IntelSat 19（166.0 °EAST）/ C-band
Transponder
TXP 12C Slot D (9MHz)
Uplink Frequency
6178.5 MHz (Vertical)
Downlink Frequency
3953.5 MHz (Horizontal)
Symbol rate
7.2 Msps
FEC
3 / 4
Video Format
High Definition 1080/50i 4:2:0
Aspect Ratio
16 : 9
Modulation
DVB-S2 / 8PSK
Pilot
on
Roll off
0.2
Encoding Bit Rate
14.0Mbps (MPEG4 H.264)
Encryption
NIL- Free to Air
Audio assignment
1
Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
2
Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
3
Program Mixing (L Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
4
Program Mixing (R Stereo) (MPEG1 Layer II)
IntelSat 34, 55.5 degrees West (covering the Americas)
An average of 39,000 seats per day operate on the world’s top route
Key findings:
14.4 million seats were scheduled between Jeju (CJU)-Seoul Gimpo (GMP) in 2025.
Asia Pacific dominates, accounting for 9/10 of the top routes globally.
Hong Kong (HKG) – Taipei (TPE) continues to be the busiest cross-border route.
Jeddah (JED) – Riyadh (RUH) is the fastest growing top ten route YoY: +13% seats vs 2024.
LONDON, Dec 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —OAG, the leading data platform for the global travel industry, today revealed its ranking of 2025’s Busiest Airline Routes. The analysis is powered by OAG’s Global Airline Schedules Data and provides an overview of global route performance and trends.
Jeju to Seoul Gimpo is the busiest airline route of 2025 with 14.4 million seats scheduled, a modest 1% increase versus 2024. There is room yet for growth on this route, which is still 17% short of regaining its capacity level of 2019. Seven carriers operate on this intensely competitive route.
The second and third placed routes are both in Japan: Sapporo New Chitose (CTS) – Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Fukuoka (FUK) – Tokyo Haneda (HND) with 12.1M and 11.5M seats respectively.
The top ten comprises entirely of domestic flights, and Asia Pacific dominates with 9 out of 10 being in the region. The one route outside of Asia Pacific is fifth placed Jeddah (JED) – Riyadh (RUH), which has seen the fastest growth of any top ten route. 9.8M seats on JED-RUH represent annual growth of 13%. Fourth placed Hanoi (HAN) to Ho Chi Minh (SGN) also grew by 4% YoY and tenth placed Shanghai (SHA) – Shenzhen (SZX) has seen capacity increase by 5% to move into the top ten from its eleventh spot last year.
Focusing on cross-border flights, Hong Kong (HKG) – Taipei (TPE) is the busiest route of 2025 with 6.8M seats followed by Cairo (CAI) – Jeddah (JED) with 5.8M seats and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Singapore Changi (SIN) with 5.6M.
OAG’s Chief Analyst, John Grant commented: “The importance and scale of these routes cannot be underestimated and highlights the strength of emergent markets around the world. For Asia Pacific to be home to nine out of the ten largest routes in the world, all of which are domestic, is a remarkable indication of how these routes have recovered in recent times and their significance to the airlines operating those sectors.”
Find global and regional rankings of the world’s busiest airline routes in 2025 and methodology on OAG’s website.
About OAG
OAG is a leading data platform for the global travel industry offering an industry-first single source for supply, demand, and pricing data.
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