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 July 2025 edition of Airline and Travel News.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES DOUBLES ORDERS FOR A330neos

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of oneworld carrier Malaysia Airlines, has exercised its purchase rights for 20 additional A330neo aircraft through a direct order with Airbus. With this latest acquisition, Malaysia Airlines is set to become one of the largest A330neo operators in the Asia-Pacific region.

This new order builds on MAG’s initial commitment in 2022 for a total of 20 A330neo aircraft –10 directly purchased and 10 leased – bringing the group’s total A330neo commitment to 40 aircraft to date. Deliveries from this additional batch are scheduled to take place between 2029 and 2031.

The aircraft features the latest cabin design, including an all-suite business class product with sliding privacy doors, full-flat beds, and direct aisle access.

The expanded widebody fleet will enhance connectivity and drive network development across key markets in ASEAN, China, India, and Australasia, according to the flag carrier.

To date, MAG has taken delivery of four A330neo aircraft, currently operating on selected services to Auckland, Melbourne, and Bali. Six more are scheduled for delivery by the end of the year, with the remaining aircraft from the original order set to arrive progressively through to 2028.

To book your flight, visit malaysiaairlines.com.

EASTIN KL SOLD FOR RM200 MILLION, SET TO REOPEN AS MARRIOTT HOTEL

The Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur in Petaling Jaya has reportedly been sold for RM200 million and is slated to reopen under the Marriott banner, according to an initial report by The Edge. The buyer is said to be a private entity linked to former investment banker Datuk Lim Kheng Yew, founder of KYM Holdings Bhd.

The 388-room hotel, built in 1998, is undergoing renovations while remaining partially operational. At RM515,000 per room, industry analysts consider the sale a favourable deal, especially given recent hotel transactions in the area. Comparatively, Empire City Hotel in Petaling Jaya sold earlier this year for RM817,000 per room.

Experts note that while the Eastin deal is competitively priced, buyers will need to invest in refurbishment due to the hotel’s age. Petaling Jaya has a limited supply of four- and five-star hotels, making the acquisition even more attractive.

Lim, whose interests span industrial manufacturing and property investment through TSM Global Bhd, owns multiple commercial and residential properties across Malaysia, including the KYM Tower in Mutiara Damansara.

Though Marriott International has not confirmed the rebranding, it acknowledged ongoing expansion in Malaysia, including upcoming openings in Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuala Lumpur. The group currently operates 56 properties nationwide across 20 of its 30 brands, including the newly opened Autograph Collection hotel in Penang, The Millen.

In related news, the nearby CP Tower at Phileo Damansara Business Centre, formerly linked to Eastin, is also said to be on the market. The 22-storey office block, complete with basement parking, is owned by Pelaburan Hartanah Bumiputera.

SCOOT LAUNCHING NEW ROUTES TO MALAYSIA AND VIETNAM

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), today announced the launch of new flight services to Da Nang and Nha Trang in Vietnam, and Kota Bharu here in Malaysia. These flights will commence progressively between October and November 2025.

Three weekly flights to Da Nang will commence on October 20 with A320 family aircraft, progressively increasing to daily flights.

Meanwhile, twice-weekly service between Singapore and Nha Trang will commence on November 21 with Scoot’s Embraer E190-E2 fleet, which will progressively increase to five times a week.

The new Singapore-Kota Bharu route will initially operate two times a week from October 26, also on the E190-E2. Kota Bharu is a popular arrival airport for travellers visiting the Perhentian islands off of Malaysia’s northeastern coast.

Following these additions, Scoot will operate 115 weekly flights to 12 cities in Malaysia, as well as 44 weekly flights to five cities in Vietnam.

Subject to regulatory approvals, Scoot also plans to launch service to Medan and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia.

Moreover, the SIA budget carrier is also increasing frequency on several existing routes within Southeast Asia and to Australia with the upcoming schedule change at the end of October.

Learn more at flyscoot.com.

EQ RANKS AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST HOTELS IN TRAVEL + LEISURE AWARDS 2025

EQ Kuala Lumpur has earned a landmark international honour, placing 22nd on the global list in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025. The hotel also claimed the No. 2 spot in Asia and was again named the No. 1 City Hotel in Malaysia — a title it has now held for four consecutive years.

The recognition places EQ not just among the finest in the country, but among the most admired hotels worldwide. It is the only Malaysian property to be featured in the global Top 100 list this year, a notable achievement for a hotel that has long been embedded in the capital’s skyline and social life.

Founded in 1973 as Hotel Equatorial, EQ has spent over five decades redefining Malaysian hospitality. With an ethos grounded in authenticity, personalised service, and thoughtful design, the hotel has consistently evolved while staying true to its heritage. Its reinvention in recent years has propelled it to the forefront of modern luxury in Kuala Lumpur.

“This is not just a win for us, but a win for Malaysia,” said Donald Lim, CEO of Equatorial Group. “We’ve always focused on offering curated, meaningful experiences, and being recognised by the readers of Travel + Leisure is deeply gratifying.”

Justin Lee, EQ’s recently promoted General Manager, added, “To be ranked No. 1 in Malaysia, No. 2 in Asia, and No. 22 in the world is humbling. It reflects the passion of our entire team and the essence of Malaysian hospitality that we’re proud to share with the world.”

The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards are voted on by readers across 33 countries, celebrating hotels that deliver exceptional guest experiences. EQ’s inclusion among the global elite cements its place as a destination that represents the very best of Asia’s modern luxury and timeless warmth.

For the full list of categories and winners, visit World’s Best Awards 2025: Our Readers’ Favorite Hotels & Spas.

STARLUX AIRLINES GROWS ITS FLEET WITH MORE LONG-HAUL A350-1000 AIRCRAFT

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has signed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of 10 additional A350-1000 aircraft, raising its order total to 18 A350-1000s going forward and complementing the carrier’s 10 current A350-900s.

The A350-1000 top-up agreement was signed at the Paris Airshow by STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

STARLUX Airlines already operates an all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft including the A350-900, the A330neo, and the A321neo. The Taiwanese airline now has on order 30 aircraft including A350F freighters, more A321neos, and the A350-1000s.

The 10 additional A350-1000s are expected to join its fleet from 2031 after the initial eight A350-1000s from its first order will be delivered starting this year, subject to further manufacturer delays.

“Expanding our international fleet with additional A350-1000s is a significant step toward reinforcing our global presence and enhancing connectivity across key markets,” said Chai. “This aircraft offers efficiency, range and comfort, making it the perfect fit for our strategy to optimise long-haul operations while delivering an exceptional passenger experience. As we continue to strengthen our international network, the A350-1000 will play an important role in driving growth, sustainability and operational flexibility.”

The A350 family of aircraft has received more than 1,390 orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 650 aircraft currently in the fleets of 38 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes.

For more details, visit starlux-airlines.com.

QANTAS CLOSING DOWN JETSTAR ASIA

Australia’s Qantas Group announced in mid-June that it will be shutting down intra-Asia low-cost airline, Jetstar Asia, at the end of July, and that 13 Jetstar Asia Airbus A320 aircraft would be progressively redeployed to Australia and New Zealand.

The Jetstar Asia closure impacts 16 intra-Asia routes, but with no changes to Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Japan services into Asia. All of Jetstar Airways international services in and out of Australia remain unchanged.

Qantas says that Jetstar Asia, the group’s Singapore-based low-cost subsidiary, has been facing growing challenges in recent years, and so the decision was made, together with majority shareholder Westbrook Investments, to shutter the airline.

Jetstar Asia will continue to operate flights for the next handful of weeks on a progressively reduced schedule, before its final day of operation on July 31, 2025.

“Jetstar Asia has been a pioneering force in the Asian aviation market for more than 20 years, making air travel accessible to millions of customers across Southeast Asia,” said Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson. “Despite their best efforts, we have seen some of Jetstar Asia’s supplier costs increase by up to 200 percent, which has materially changed its cost base,” Hudson said.

The closure of Jetstar Asia will unlock up to A$500 million in fleet capital to be reinjected into the Qantas group’s core businesses and improve long-term returns, the flag carrier noted.

Indeed, Qantas is set to receive its first Airbus A321XLR later this month and the first Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR in calendar year 2026.

“We are currently undertaking the most ambitious fleet renewal program in our history, with almost 200 firm aircraft orders and hundreds of millions of dollars being invested into our existing fleet,” Hudson said.

To learn more, visit qantas.com.

CROCKFORDS MAKES TOP 3 DEBUT AT TRAVEL + LEISURE LUXURY AWARDS 2025

Crockfords Hotel at Resorts World Genting (RWG) has earned its first-ever Top 3 finish in the “Malaysia’s Best Beach, Island + Upcountry Resort” category at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the flagship luxury hotel, underscoring its impressive offerings and growing stature in the regional hospitality scene.

Held recently in Bangkok, the awards recognize excellence in travel and leisure across the Asia Pacific region. Winners are determined by global reader votes and editorial curation, highlighting the top-tier destinations and properties in the region.

Resorts World Genting itself was also recognized, placing in the Top 8 for “Best Integrated Resorts” — a further endorsement of RWG’s comprehensive offerings, which include luxury accommodations, fine dining, entertainment, and the Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park.

Located 6,000 feet above sea level in the cool highlands of Genting, Crockfords offers a quiet, refined escape. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from classic London townhouses, blending understated elegance with modern comfort. The gilded lobby, complete with gold tree sculptures and marble finishes, sets the tone for a luxurious stay.

Crockfords features a range of accommodations, from superior rooms to junior and signature suites, as well as private villas. Each space is tailored for both leisure and business travellers, offering a personalized experience in a serene setting.

“We are incredibly honoured to be recognised by the discerning readers of Travel + Leisure,” said Spencer Lee, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Public Relations at Resorts World Genting. “This award is especially meaningful as it coincides with our 60th anniversary.”

For more information and the latest updates on Crockfords and Resorts World Genting, visit rwgenting.com.

SET TO BE ASIA’S LARGEST AIRPORT, NOIDA INTERNATIONAL ON TRACK FOR NOVEMBER 2025 OPENING

The long-delayed Noida International Airport (DXN) in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, is now expected to begin operations in November 2025, following a recent review by Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta. Over 80% of construction has been completed, with runway and airside infrastructure surpassing 90%.

Originally slated for completion in September 2024, the project faced several timeline revisions due to delays in terminal construction and regulatory approvals. Authorities now say the airport is in its final stretch, with domestic and cargo operations targeted for mid-September and full international services launching in November.

Developed by Zurich Airport International AG under a 40-year concession, DXN is one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. The airport’s Rs.34,000 crore investment includes Rs 10,056 crore allocated for the first phase alone. The project aims to ease pressure on Delhi’s existing airport while transforming western Uttar Pradesh into a logistics, industrial, and tourism hub.

The airport will roll out in two phases and feature a multimodal Ground Transportation Center with integrated metro, bus, and taxi links. A proposed high-speed rail corridor connecting Delhi to Varanasi is expected to reduce the airport commute from Delhi to just 21 minutes.

Cargo capacity is another focal point. A planned hub operated with Air India SATS will handle over 100,000 tons of cargo annually from launch, with room for future expansion.

Architecturally, the terminal will blend North Indian cultural elements with modern design, incorporating natural light and energy-efficient features. More than 580 mature trees have been relocated, and a dedicated forest buffer zone has been created.

If the current schedule holds, DXN will represent a major leap forward in India’s aviation capacity and regional connectivity.