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 October 2025 edition of Airline and Travel News.
BATIK AIR TO LAUNCH NINE NEW REGIONAL ROUTES
Batik Air will expand its regional presence with the commencement of nine new routes on December 8, 2025, marking a significant step in its efforts to strengthen connectivity across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
The airline announced that the expansion will include new services from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang (SZB), to Singapore, Jakarta, Langkawi, and Johor Bahru.
“This expansion also underscores Batik Air’s support for the government’s Subang Airport Regeneration Plan, contributing to its vision of positioning Subang as a vibrant regional hub,” the airline said in a statement on Saturday, adding that SZB is set to become a cornerstone of its operations.
At the same time, Penang will play a more prominent role in the network with new routes to Singapore, Medan, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. These services will position Penang International Airport as an important connector linking the region with Sabah, Sarawak and neighbouring countries.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh will also join Batik Air’s network through the launch of new direct flights to Singapore.
The airline added that starting in November 2025, all Lion Group airlines, including Batik Air, will relocate operations to Terminal 4 at Changi Airport, giving passengers access to improved facilities and smoother onward connections in Singapore.
Chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the expansion reflects deliberate planning and a clear vision for the region, with the airline focusing on strengthening its ASEAN footprint and opening travel corridors that can drive tourism, trade and economic growth.
“These new routes are not just about expanding our network – they signal our direction as a carrier. By investing in Subang and Penang as hubs, and leveraging Singapore as a key source of inbound tourists, we are also supporting preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026, ensuring that more travellers can experience Malaysia with greater ease,” he said.
Chandran added that the launch will create new opportunities for travellers, businesses and communities, noting that the routes were chosen to connect domestic hubs with select international destinations that align with the preferences of Malaysian travellers.
“The nine new services demonstrate the airline’s commitment to offering greater choice, convenience and seamless travel, setting a new benchmark for regional connectivity,” he said.
For more details and bookings, visit batikair.com.my.
MALAYSIA RE-ELECTED TO ICAO COUNCIL FOR SEVENTH TERM
Malaysia Aviation Group, AirAsia, and Batik Air have congratulated the Government of Malaysia, the Ministry of Transport, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) following Malaysia’s re-election to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council as a Part III member for the 2025–2028 term.
The election took place on September 30, 2025, during the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada. Malaysia secured 154 votes, winning the seventh of 14 contested Part III seats. It marked the country’s seventh consecutive term on the ICAO Council since 2007 and the highest number of votes Malaysia has received since 2013. In comparison, Malaysia gained 136 votes in the 2022 elections, when it placed 13th out of 14 candidates. The result reflects what officials described as the international community’s growing confidence in Malaysia’s role in global aviation.
The ICAO Council is responsible for setting international aviation standards, shaping policy, and establishing strategic priorities for its 193 member states. Malaysia’s continued presence ensures the country remains engaged in key discussions on safety, sustainability, and innovation. Industry leaders acknowledged the Ministry of Transport and CAAM for their efforts in strengthening Malaysia’s reputation as a credible and respected voice in the sector.
Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, said Malaysia’s re-election underscored both international trust and the country’s ability to shape global aviation. “Malaysia’s re-election to the ICAO Council for the new term reaffirms the nation’s standing as a credible and respected voice in shaping the global aviation agenda. This success reflects the confidence of the international community in Malaysia’s ability to play an active role in guiding policy and strengthening cooperation at the highest level of civil aviation. Malaysia Aviation Group is committed to supporting Malaysia in advancing this mandate, while continuing to contribute to international collaboration that enhances resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth in global aviation.”
Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, highlighted the broader implications of the result. “Travel remains central to connecting economies, trade, and cultures worldwide — and Malaysia’s stronger mandate at the ICAO elections reflects the world’s growing confidence in our aviation leadership. For AirAsia, it reinforces the role we have played in pioneering low-cost travel and positioning Kuala Lumpur as the world’s leading LCC Megahub. More importantly, it highlights Malaysia’s progress as a champion of affordable, sustainable, and inclusive connectivity. Together with our partners in government and industry, we will continue to elevate Malaysia’s response in shaping the future of global aviation.”
Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air, said the re-election represented pride and responsibility for the entire aviation sector. “Malaysia’s re-election to the ICAO Council is a moment of great pride and a clear affirmation of our nation’s leadership and credibility in global aviation. At Batik Air, we are honoured to play an active role in this journey by connecting communities, advancing industry standards, and delivering service that reflects the very best of Malaysia. This achievement is not only a recognition of our nation’s influence on the international stage, but also a responsibility for all of us in the aviation sector to continue raising the bar in safety, innovation, and operational excellence.”
The three carriers emphasised that the result not only validates Malaysia’s credibility in the international aviation community, but also serves as motivation for regulators, airlines, and industry stakeholders to continue delivering excellence, connectivity, and innovation in line with Malaysia’s long-term aviation ambitions.
To learn more about the ICAO, visit their site at icao.int.
JATI OPENS ITS DOORS IN CAMBODIA
JATI, a new private island retreat by the creators of Shinta Mani Hotels, has officially opened its doors, bringing Khmer-inspired luxury to Cambodia’s southern coast. Located on Koh Russey, or “Bamboo Island,” in the unspoilt Koh Rong archipelago, the 82-villa resort is just 10 minutes by speedboat from its private pier at Ream Beach.
“After trials and soft-opening for the first two or three months, we now have all facilities in place and we’re already welcoming international visitors,” said Stephan Rohrer, General Manager of JATI.
The name JATI, meaning “rebirth” in Sanskrit, reflects the resort’s vision of renewal, combining a secluded island setting with wellness and relaxation for a transformative escape.
Villas range from one- to two-bedroom options, some with private pools, either on the beachfront or tucked into lush gardens. Facilities span a racquet and sports club offering tennis, pickleball, basketball, badminton, mini golf, and Thai boxing, alongside paddle-boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, and island trails. The Bamboo Spa & Gym features Khmer-inspired treatments, a sauna, ice baths, and state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
Dining is a highlight of the experience. The resort features destination outlets from HMD Asia’s portfolio, including branches of Phnom Penh’s wine bar Le Manolis and the popular KoKo steakhouse, infusing an international urban vibe. Guests can also enjoy Bai Sor beach café for international and Khmer breakfasts, cocktails beneath the banyan tree at Banyan Lounge, or sunsets at the Beach Club with seafood, barbecues, and a relaxed island atmosphere.
Families are well catered for with the Seahorse Kids Club, offering beach adventures and games, plus babysitting services for parents to enjoy spa treatments or private time.
The resort also offers seamless travel packages combining stays at Shinta Mani Angkor in Siem Reap with JATI, creating an ultimate Cambodian journey from Angkor’s temples to the southern coast.
“JATI invites guests to discover the rustic and unspoilt beaches of Southern Cambodia, with a vibrant new Khmer-inspired private island experience that also offers great food, extensive leisure activities, and wellness facilities – all at exceptional value,” said Anthony Lark, Executive Director of HMD Asia.
The launch marks HMD Asia’s first beach resort, joining its portfolio of acclaimed brands including Shinta Mani Resorts, La Résidence properties in Luang Prabang and Siem Reap, and TRIBE hotel in Phnom Penh.
For more details, visit jati-resort.com.
GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE COMPLETES REDEVELOPMENT
Grand Hyatt Singapore has confirmed the completion of its extensive multi-year redevelopment that hopes to redefine the 54-year-old hotel “as a contemporary haven of wellness and meaningful luxury.”
With the reopening of the Grand Wing, relocated Grand Club Lounge and refurbished 10|Scotts, the property aims to set a new benchmark for integrated lifestyle hospitality in the Orchard Road area.
To celebrate the hotel’s transformation, guests can look forward to a series of events featuring reimagined gourmet experiences, wellness retreats, and enhanced World of Hyatt rewards from July 18 to September 14, 2025.
The phased reopening of the Terrace Wing in July 2024 introduced a nature-inspired retreat “that reflects Singapore’s identity as a city in nature.”
Now, with the debut of the refreshed Grand Wing and Grand Club, the hotel offers 699 redesigned rooms and suites, seven dining concepts, an extensive wellness hub, and 16 event spaces.
Designed by Tokyo-based studio Strickland, the Grand Wing promises a refined urban experience “infused with the vibrancy of Singapore.”
All 407 rooms, including redesigned Deluxe Rooms, now feature open-plan spaces with warm walnut flooring, Peranakan-inspired accents, and Patagonia Stone in the bathrooms. A signature octagonal design motif—echoing the hotel’s architectural heritage—runs through corridors and guestrooms.
Strickland also reimagined the hotel’s reception and public spaces, where a sculptural centrepiece and carved louvers echo Peranakan motifs, and ceiling fins made of local wood wrap the lobby.
In contrast, the Terrace Wing offers a “calming, verdant resort ambience” drawing inspiration from the Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), with interconnected garden zones populated with butterfly-attracting nectar plants, koi ponds, tropical greenery, and a multi-tiered waterfall.
For more information and bookings, visit hyatt.com.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES GROWS FLEET WITH SEVENTH A330NEO
Malaysian oneworld member airline Malaysia Airlines recently announced it has taken delivery of its seventh Airbus A330neo. The new aircraft arrived at the airline’s Kuala Lumpur base last weekend and will soon be rostered on Malaysia Airlines flights to destinations including Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney, and Bali.
Malaysia Airlines’ A330neo aircraft feature the airline’s latest cabin products, including an all-new 1-2-1 lie-flat business class suite with privacy doors and 4K inflight entertainment screens. The carrier’s A330neos feature 28 of these latest-generation premium seats alongside a 2-4-2 economy class product, including 24 seats with additional legroom.
With now seven A330neos in its fleet, Malaysia Airlines is set to take delivery of 33 additional A330neo jets over the coming years. These will complement its longer-range A350-900 fleet and replace and expand upon its current A330-300 regional services.
Malaysia Airlines deploys its seven current A350-900s on its longest routes, including Kuala Lumpur-Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur-Paris.
Three more A350-900s are scheduled to join the oneworld member’s fleet, which may open up additional destinations in Europe including the resumption of flights to Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
For its regional fleet renewal programme, Malaysia Airlines has selected the Boeing 737 Max family of aircraft, including the largest variant, the 737 Max 10.
To learn more, visit malaysiaairlines.com.
AMAN ANNOUNCES NEW SINGAPORE PROPERTY
Aman has announced plans for Aman Singapore, a new urban sanctuary set to redefine the city’s ultra-luxury landscape. The project will bring together a hotel, a limited collection of branded residences, and a private global members club, marking the brand’s debut in Singapore.
The property will be located within The Skywaters, soon to be Singapore’s tallest skyscraper. The development is led by Perennial Holdings, with architecture by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Rising from a rare island site at the meeting point of the Central Business District, Marina Bay, and the future Greater Southern Waterfront, the tower is designed to become a landmark destination.
Aman Singapore will feature interiors by Kerry Hill Architects and will include one of the city’s largest hotel suites, with sweeping views over Singapore and the South China Sea. The project will also encompass a dedicated Aman Club for invite-only members, a collection of Aman Residences, and a full-floor Aman Spa complete with an infinity-edged pool (featured image, top). Dining spaces will feature several of Aman’s signature concepts alongside venues for world cuisine and socializing.
Residences, ranging from one to five bedrooms, will offer expansive living spaces with views of Singapore’s skyline and green belt, all supported by Aman’s signature services and amenities.
Vlad Doronin, CEO and Chairman of Aman Group, said: “The launch of Aman Singapore, within the landmark The Skywaters development, marks an exciting chapter for our brand and is something our devoted community has long anticipated. Aman Singapore will embody all the hallmarks of our urban sanctuaries including intuitive service, serene design, privacy, and exceptional locations.”
Pua Seck Guan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Perennial Holdings, added: “The Skywaters represents a bold new chapter for Singapore’s skyline. Partnering with Aman is a testament to the exceptional quality of the development as we create an extraordinary sanctuary in the heart of the Garden City.”
For information, visit aman.com.
ACCOR PLUS DEBUTS NEW PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE, ALL ACCOR+
Accor Plus has announced the launch of ALL Accor+ Explorer, a new premium global subscription designed to elevate the travel experience. Available as a paid annual membership, the programme offers travellers an array of benefits, recognition, and curated experiences across Accor’s portfolio of more than 4,500 hotels and 30 brands worldwide.
From the outset, members are upgraded to ALL Accor Gold status or higher within Accor’s free global loyalty programme, unlocking elite privileges. The subscription includes two complimentary nights per year, significant savings on stays and dining, and—for the first time—a guaranteed 15% off room rates globally.
Members also gain access to a calendar of thousands of exclusive experiences across Asia Pacific, spanning dining, wellness, and unique adventures. These include both one-of-a-kind itineraries and special offers at newly opened properties.
Programme highlights include:
- Two free nights every year
- Guaranteed 15% off room rates worldwide
- Up to 50% savings on stays in Asia Pacific
- Exclusive dining and beverage discounts
- Complimentary upgrade to ALL Accor Gold status or higher
- Access to curated experiences such as:
- A private New Year’s Eve dinner and scenic flight over Antarctica with Pullman Melbourne on the Park, Australia
- A seven-night luxury retreat at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, Indonesia
- A three-night island escape at SO/Maldives, complete with spa and water sports
- An exclusive first-stay offer at Fairmont Jaipur, India
“Today’s frequent discerning travellers are looking for more than just perks from their loyalty memberships,” said Emilie Couton, CEO of Accor Plus. “Our insights and extensive member research pointed to a shift towards more substantial value, better recognition and deeper, more meaningful experiences. ALL Accor+ Explorer is designed for the modern traveller, delivering tangible and seamless benefits that can be enjoyed right away.”
The annual subscription is available to purchase worldwide for $229 USD. Members can expect to enjoy an average of $712 USD in value back from their subscription within a year, through savings, benefits, and more.
As of October 1, all existing Accor Plus members have also been upgraded to the ALL Accor+ Explorer premium subscription. For more details, visit accorplus.com.
