Singapore has become the first state to classify severe air turbulence as a major in-flight threat after two incidents involving its airliners last year in which a passenger died and dozens were injured.

Abruptly shifting winds, invisible to radar, that jolt cruising airliners without warning have become so serious that the phenomenon must be classified as a “state-level operational safety risk”, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said. That puts it in the same category as the threat from mid-air collisions and unauthorised incursions on runways.

Climate change is mainly blamed for the increasing number of encounters with clear-air turbulence around the world over the past decade. It has become the leading cause of in-flight injuries for passengers and crew worldwide.

• What causes flight turbulence — and should passengers be worried?

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 from London to Singapore was the victim of one of the worst incidents in May last year. Over Burma it flew into roiling air currents that whipsawed the aircraft, throwing unbelted passengers and personnel into the ceiling and then onto the floor. A 73-year-old Briton died of a heart attack and dozens were injured.

In September last year, a passenger and a cabin crew member were injured on a Guangzhou-bound flight that ran into turbulence over Hong Kong.

“The recent spate of serious aviation safety incidents around the world is a timely reminder that we must stay vigilant and not take safety for granted,” said Han Kok Juan, the CAAS director general, as the authority set out 45 actions for its national airlines.

Other Asian airlines have changed crew procedures, such as methods of serving hot drinks and more extensive use of the seatbelt sign. Korean Air stopped serving ramen instant noodles to avoid scalding injuries.

In the United States last week, two passengers on a United Express flight were treated in hospital and 37 others received medical attention after the aircraft ran into fierce turbulence over Texas. In the US at least 163 people sustained serious injury from turbulence between 2009 and 2022.

Singapore joined Korea and Japan last year in urging the International Civil Aviation Organisation to recognise turbulence explicitly as a threat in its 2026 global aviation safety plan and pave the way for stronger regulation and research.

• What causes flight turbulence and how dangerous is it?

Global bodies have been co-ordinating action on turbulence. The International Air Transport Association has a “Turbulence Aware” programme that enables aircraft to share data on turbulence with nearby aircraft.

Artificial intelligence is being developed to predict dangerous shifts in the jet streams, the narrow currents of fast–flowing air at around 30,000 feet in which airliners cruise. The streams, which move from west to east, are powered by differences in the temperature of air masses.

Studies have shown that the more extreme weather caused by climate change is creating fiercer changes in wind speed and direction, or windshear, involving the jet streams. The increase in airline traffic in recent decades has contributed to the rise in clear-air turbulence encounters because more planes are flying through the turbulence-prone corridors; for example, over the north Atlantic and Asia.

Cathay Pacific’s recent leadership restructuring in Southeast Asia and Oceania is more than a bureaucratic shuffle—it’s a calculated move to position the airline as a dominant force in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. By appointing seasoned executives with deep regional expertise, Cathay is signaling its commitment to leveraging Southeast Asia and Oceania’s surging demand for air travel and logistics, while reinforcing investor confidence in its long-term growth trajectory.

Leadership with a Legacy of Execution

The new regional leadership team is a masterclass in operational and strategic depth. Frosti Lau, the newly appointed Regional General Manager, brings 25 years of Cathay experience, including pioneering digital innovation in cargo operations. His track record in integrating technology with customer-centric solutions is critical for a region where e-commerce and high-value freight (e.g., pharmaceuticals, electronics) are driving cargo growth. Jonathan Ng, the Regional Head of Customer Travel and Lifestyle, has a proven ability to enhance passenger experiences, having led HK Express’s integration into the Cathay Group. His focus on lifestyle services aligns with the rising demand for premium travel in Southeast Asia, where middle-class expansion is fueling a shift toward luxury and convenience.

On the cargo front, Ashish Kapur’s appointment as Regional Head of Cargo is a strategic win. With 24 years of experience across volatile markets like India and Africa, Kapur understands how to navigate supply chain disruptions—a critical skill as Cathay Cargo reported a 11.3% year-on-year tonnage increase in H1 2025. Meanwhile, Lynn See’s emphasis on talent development and inclusive culture ensures the workforce is primed to execute Cathay’s aggressive expansion plans, which include 19 new destinations in 2025 alone.

Financial Performance Validates Strategic Moves

Cathay’s leadership changes are not just symbolic; they’re backed by hard financial results. The airline’s 2025 interim results revealed an attributable profit of HK$3.7 billion for the first half of the year, driven by a 26% capacity boost and lower fuel costs. Passenger traffic surged 27.8% year-on-year in the first six months, with Cathay Pacific and HK Express carrying 3.2 million passengers in July 2025—a 24% increase over July 2024. Cargo operations, meanwhile, saw a 6.3% tonnage increase in June 2025, with Cathay Cargo’s specialized services (e.g., Cathay Pharma) outperforming in transpacific and inter-Asia routes.

These numbers are not just impressive—they’re transformative. Cathay’s investment in 35 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, part of a HK$100 billion fleet modernization plan, underscores its confidence in sustaining this growth. The 777-9s will form the backbone of its long-haul network, enabling the airline to compete with low-cost carriers while maintaining premium service standards.

Investor Confidence: A Mix of Caution and Optimism

While Cathay’s shares dipped 4% following the H1 2025 results due to concerns over falling airfares and HK Express’s performance, the broader narrative remains bullish. The airline’s dividend of HK$20 cents per share (matching 2024) and its Skytrax accolades—Best Economy Class, Best Inflight Entertainment—reinforce its premium positioning. Moreover, Cathay Cargo’s recognition as “Cargo Operator of the Year” by Air Transport World highlights its competitive edge in a sector where margins are razor-thin.

Investors should also note Cathay’s proactive approach to risk management. CFO Rebecca Sharpe’s liquidity-focused strategy during the pandemic has left the airline with a robust balance sheet, allowing it to hedge 30% of its fuel needs for the next 12 months. This financial discipline, combined with a 5.3% projected growth in the Asia-Pacific air cargo market (per IATA), creates a compelling case for long-term investment.

The Road Ahead: A Hub for Global Trade and Travel

Cathay’s leadership restructuring is part of a larger vision to cement Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub. By expanding its network to 104 destinations and investing in flagship lounges in New York and Beijing, Cathay is not just capturing passenger demand—it’s building infrastructure to support the region’s e-commerce boom and high-value logistics needs. The airline’s focus on digital innovation (e.g., AI-driven cargo tracking, personalized travel experiences) further positions it to outperform peers in a sector increasingly defined by tech-driven efficiency.

Investment Takeaway

Cathay Pacific’s leadership changes are a green flag for investors. The regional executives’ deep experience, coupled with the airline’s financial resilience and strategic investments, paints a picture of a company poised to dominate the Asia-Pacific air travel and logistics market. While short-term volatility is inevitable in a cyclical industry, Cathay’s long-term growth levers—fleet modernization, cargo specialization, and a premium brand—are hard to ignore. For those with a 3–5 year horizon, Cathay offers a compelling blend of stability and upside, particularly as global trade and travel continue to rebound.

In the end, Cathay’s story is one of transformation—turning regional leadership into global opportunity. And for investors, that’s the kind of narrative that can turn cautious optimism into confident action.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Travel And Tour World reports that Sri Lanka Joined the List Of Most Visited Countries In August 2025, welcoming nearly 200,000 Foreign Tourists with strong contributions from India, UK, Germany, And China

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues its upward momentum, with 198,235 international visitors arriving in the country during the month of August. This marks a 20.4% increase compared to August last year, signaling growing global confidence in Sri Lanka as a travel destination.

The latest data reveals that India remains the top source market, contributing 46,473 tourists—accounting for 23.4% of total arrivals in August. 

Other leading countries include:

United Kingdom: 19,764 visitors
Germany: 12,500 visitors
China: 12,294 visitors
France: 10,495 visitors

From January 1 to August 31, 2025, Sri Lanka has welcomed a total of 1,566,523 tourists, with India again leading the pack at 325,595 arrivals, followed by Russia (118,916) and the United Kingdom (151,141).

Travel And Tour World (TTW) is a prominent B2B digital media platform and trade network that delivers news, trends, and insights for the global travel, tourism, hospitality, cruise, and airline industries.

TTW said that this impressive increase not only demonstrates Sri Lanka’s resilience but also solidifies its position as a premier travel destination in South Asia.

It added that the tourism industry in Sri Lanka is also benefiting from strong marketing campaigns targeting specific international markets. noting that the government’s focus on sustainability and eco-tourism, alongside its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, has further positioned Sri Lanka as a top destination for responsible tourism. 

The country has increasingly become a go-to location for travelers interested in sustainable travel experiences, with a wide range of eco-friendly resorts, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature-based activities on offer.

As Sri Lanka continues to recover and strengthen its tourism sector, the outlook for the remainder of 2025 remains promising.

With steady growth in arrivals from traditional markets, as well as increasing interest from emerging markets, Sri Lanka is well on its way to becoming one of the top tourist destinations in South Asia.