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

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

SINGAPORE AIRLINES INCREASES ITS CHRISTCHURCH SERVICE

Star Alliance member Singapore Airlines has confirmed 46 additional return services between its Singapore hub and Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island from November 24, 2025 until February 12, 2026.

The move adds up to over 23,000 extra seats across the peak Southern hemisphere summer season, driven by continued demand from South Island travellers and international visitors, according to Christchurch Airport. Singapore Airlines’ extra seasonal flights will increase to four per week, up from three last season.

The expanded service will operate in addition to the airline’s year-round daily flights, boosting the total up to 11 weekly return services. That means there will be up to 5,500 seats available each week between Christchurch and Singapore.

Christchurch Airport says the move is part of Singapore Airlines’ commitment to deliver greater connectivity between Christchurch and Singapore. The Christchurch–Singapore route has connected the South Island to the world for nearly four decades.

Singapore Airlines will be operating its three-class Airbus A350-900 fleet on the Christchurch flights, including business, premium economy and economy class.

“This service has always punched well above its weight for Christchurch. It’s a lifeline for our exporters, a magnet for high-value visitors, and the go-to launch pad for Kiwis heading off to Asia or Europe.

“Adding more flights just takes it up a gear, more choice, more impact, and even more reasons to love what this route brings to our city and region,” says Gordon Bevan, Christchurch Airport’s general manager aeronautical development.

For bookings and information, visit singaporeair.com.

THE MILLEN OPENS IN PENANG UNDER MARRIOTT’S AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION BRAND

Autograph Collection Hotels has officially welcomed its first Penang property with the debut of The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection, a beautiful 146-room designer hotel that artfully bridges colonial elegance with modern luxury. Set along Penang’s historic Millionaire’s Row, the hotel offers guests “A Different Penang” through sophisticated design and immersive local touches.

The hotel’s five-star rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Andaman Sea or Penang Hill and the city, marble interiors, organic amenities, and sustainable elements that highlight local craftsmanship. Every room also has a fabulous soaking tub set by a window, affording breathtaking views while you relax.

The hotel’s culinary offerings are equally distinctive: Lili delivers a reimagined take on Malaysian cuisine using responsibly sourced ingredients, while The Good Society presents a fresh, refined space for Devonshire teas, artisanal coffee, and fresh bakes. For premium dining, Blacklinen Restaurant features charcoal-grilled aged meats and seafood, alongside an expertly curated wine list that quickly takes its place among the best in Penang.

Business and events are well-served with standout facilities like the Upperton Hall Grand Ballroom, equipped with one of Penang’s largest LED screens, as well as high-tech boardrooms filled with natural light. Wellness seekers will appreciate the saltwater infinity pool, 24-hour fitness centre, and Nut&Meg Spa, which incorporates local ingredients such as nutmeg in its heritage-inspired treatments.

Located just a short stroll from Gurney Drive, heritage sites, and other Penang attractions, The Millen offers both convenience and a rich cultural backdrop. It also participates in Marriott Bonvoy, allowing members to earn and redeem points.

For more details, visit www.themillenhotel.com or call +604 565 8888.

PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE NOW OPEN AT JB’S SENAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Travelers departing from Johor Bahru can now enjoy a refined pre-flight experience with the opening of the Plaza Premium Lounge at Senai International Airport (JHB). Conveniently located near Gate 2 on the terminal’s first floor, the lounge welcomes both domestic and international passengers daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Embracing its “Proudly Local” ethos, the lounge showcases Johor’s rich heritage through thoughtfully curated interiors and a dedicated culinary corner featuring authentic local dishes crafted with distinctive spices. Guests can savor a variety of complimentary international and local food and beverages, including snacks, hot meals, and refreshing drinks.

Amenities are designed for both comfort and convenience, offering complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, shower facilities, and comfortable lounge seating. For those on the move, the “Lounge To Go” service provides an alternative for an on-the-go meal, ideal as an in-flight meal replacement.

To celebrate the launch, Plaza Premium Lounge is offering a special 30% discount on lounge access until June 14, 2025. Travelers can avail this offer by using the promo code JOHOR30 when booking online.

Whether you’re seeking a tranquil space to relax or a taste of local flavors before your journey, the new Plaza Premium Lounge at Senai International Airport offers a seamless blend of Malaysian charm and modern comfort.

For more information, visit Plaza Premium Lounge’s JB website HERE.

SCOOT AIRLINES TO FLY TWICE DAILY FROM SINGAPORE TO SYDNEY

Sydney Airport says it welcomes the announcement that Singapore Airlines Group (SIA Group) low-cost carrier Scoot will add four additional services between Sydney and Singapore, taking the airline’s operations to a double daily at Sydney Airport beginning October 5, 2025.

The new services will be operated on Scoot’s flagship Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which features 375 seats – 35 “ScootClub” seats in a 2-3-2 configuration and 340 standard economy class seats in a 3-3-3 layout, inclusive of 45 “Scoot-in-Silence” seats.

The Scoot 787-9 aircraft are equipped with in-seat power, inflight Wi-Fi, and meal options available for pre-purchase or onboard purchase.

Full-service Singapore Airlines will continue to serve Singapore-Sydney five times a day, and the Singapore flag carrier also plans to serve the new Western Sydney Airport once it opens.

From August 4, 2025, Scoot will also increase its frequency between Singapore and Perth, going from 12 weekly flights currently offered to double daily services.

Meanwhile, Scoot has upgraded all its services between Singapore and Bali (Denpasar) to its widebody 787 Dreamliner operations.

To learn more, visit flyscoot.com.

DUSIT PRINCESS MELAKA MARKS GRAND OPENING

Dusit International has officially opened its first property in Malaysia with the grand opening of Dusit Princess Melaka — a new upscale hotel strategically located in the heart of Melaka’s UNESCO World Heritage City. The launch introduces Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired hospitality to one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing travel destinations and comes as Melaka celebrates surging tourism arrivals and a renewed focus on MICE travel.

Boasting 296 elegant rooms with sweeping views of the city and the Straits of Melaka, the hotel blends modern comforts with touches of local heritage. Highlights include distinctive dining venues like Zest Restaurant, Long Feng Chinese Restaurant, and the stylish Famosa Lounge, as well as the state’s deepest swimming pool and a 24-hour gym.

A standout feature is the 774 sq m meeting and event space — one of the largest in Melaka — designed for high-profile conferences and private functions, complete with full LED screen capabilities.

In addition to premium facilities, guests can also explore curated experiences that showcase Melaka’s diverse culture, food, and historic charm. The hotel’s grand opening coincides with the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026 and global events like UN Tourism 2025, underscoring its relevance to both leisure and business travellers.

To celebrate its grand opening, Dusit Princess Melaka has launched a limited-time offer – Melaka Retreat – inviting guests to enjoy daily breakfast at Zest, a RM50 daily F&B credit redeemable at any of the hotel’s dining outlets, complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability), and an additional 15% discount for Dusit Gold members. The offer is available for booking until January 4, 2026, for stays from now through that date, exclusively at dusit.com/dusitprincess-melaka/specialoffers.

For more information and reservations, please visit dusit.com/dusitprincess-melaka or follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram: @dusitprincessmelaka.

BATIK AIR TO LAUNCH ITS FIRST INTERNATIONAL SERVICE FROM SUBANG AIRPORT

Batik Air is leading the charge in transforming Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang (SZB) into a modern city airport hub with the launch of two new daily routes beginning July 28, 2025. The airline will introduce its first international service from SZB to Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK), alongside a domestic route to Kuching (KCH), marking a significant milestone in the airport’s resurgence.

The SZB–DMK route provides Klang Valley residents easy access to the Thai capital’s vibrant culture and cuisine, while the SZB–KCH service strengthens domestic connectivity, enhancing travel between Peninsular and East Malaysia. These additions follow existing Batik Air services to Penang, Kota Bharu, and Kota Kinabalu, bringing the total to five key destinations served from SZB.

With Subang’s proximity to Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, and Shah Alam, these new routes offer a time-saving alternative to KLIA. The expansion is also expected to boost inbound tourism from Thailand and East Malaysia to Selangor’s rich attractions, from heritage sites and ecotourism to shopping and gastronomy.

Batik Air’s strategic move signals a new era in Malaysian aviation, where connectivity meets convenience in the heart of the city.

For information and booking, please visit batikair.com.my.

VIETJET ORDERS 20 MORE A330-900 AIRCRAFT

Vietjet, Vietnam’s largest private airline, has placed a new order with Airbus for 20 additional widebody A330-900 aircraft to support its strategic expansion over the next decade.

Airbus said this “long-term order” would support Vietjet’s ongoing international network expansion, enabling the airline to increase flights on high capacity routes across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to introduce new future long-haul services to Europe.

The new contract with Airbus doubles Vietjet’s firm orders for the A330neo to 40 aircraft. In addition, the carrier has 96 additional A320neo family single-aisle aircraft on order.

Vietjet currently operates 115 single aisle Airbus A320 family aircraft and seven widebody A330-300s, as well as two Chinese-manufactured Comac C909 aircraft.

Vietjet currently operates international services to Australia, India and Kazakhstan with its A330-300s, including business class. The current A330-300 fleet features 12 lie-flat business class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration, as well as 365 3-3-3 economy class seats.

“Vietjet has established itself as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, bringing low fares with warm Vietnamese hospitality. We are proud that the carrier has selected the A330neo as its widebody aircraft of choice to build on its success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as Vietjet expands its reach,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP sales at Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

For more details, visit vietjetair.com.