Cathay Pacific has benefited from a pick-up in travel demand in Asia – Copyright AFP Peter PARKS
Tommy WANG
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific said Wednesday it would place an US$8.1-billion order for 14 Boeing jets, its first with the US aircraft maker for more than a decade.
In a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange, the airline said it would “purchase 14 Boeing 777-9 aircraft” and had “secured the right to acquire up to seven additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft”.
Cathay already has a fleet of more than 230 mostly passenger aircraft.
The new order expects the aircraft to be delivered by 2034, according to a separate filing.
Cathay was one of the first buyers to commit to Boeing’s 777X programme when it unveiled the purchase of 21 aircraft in 2013.
Boeing said in a statement the new deal brought the order book of 777-9 aircraft — “the world’s largest twin-engine airplane” — to 35.
The aircraft, designed to reduce fuel use and emissions, would meet Cathay’s growing global travel demand, Boeing added.
Hong Kong’s aviation sector was hit hard by Covid-era policies, which imposed strict rules on travellers that kept it internationally isolated before they were lifted in late 2022.
In 2024 Cathay’s attributable profit rose slightly to US$1.27 billion, however, and it announced earlier that year that its flights were finally back to pre-pandemic levels.
On Wednesday, the firm reported its attributable profit rose slightly to HK$3.65 billion (US$4.65 million) in the first six months of the year, benefiting from a pick-up in travel demand in Asia.
Total revenue in that period increased 9.5 percent to US$6.92 billion.
The company also declared an interim dividend of HK$20 cents per share.
Chairman Patrick Healy heralded a “solid financial performance” in the filing.
“Our first-half result was driven by higher passenger volumes albeit with lower yields, a consistent cargo performance, and lower fuel price compared with the same period in 2024,” Healy said.
The company’s passenger airlines, including Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Express, have launched or announced 19 new destinations so far in 2025, with “more to come”, he said, adding that they now fly to more than 100 passenger destinations.
This month, the airline said it had resumed direct flights to Brussels after a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
But the firm also saw a drop of 0.6 percent in profit margin for the first half of the year.
And Healy warned in the filing that its low-cost airline HK Express was facing short-term challenges as a pick-up in bookings was “yet to return to normal levels”.
Cathay’s share price in Hong Kong fell nine percent following the results.
The report highlights sustained demand for regional connectivity, potentially influencing network planning for Indian airlines in the future.
Asia Pacific dominated global air travel in 2024, with South Korea’s Jeju–Seoul (CJU–GMP) corridor ranked the world’s busiest route, carrying 13.2 million passengers last year, as per the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) report.
Out of the top 10 busiest airport pairs worldwide, nine were within the Asia Pacific region. Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah–Riyadh (JED–RUH) was the only route outside Asia Pacific to make it to the global top 10.
IATA’s WATS report, based on data from over 240 airlines, provides detailed information on global air traffic trends, including passenger volumes, cargo capacity, aircraft utilisation, airline staffing, and financial performance.
Top 10 busiest airport pairs globally in 2024
(by total passenger traffic)
Jeju – Seoul (CJU–GMP), South Korea – 13.2 million passengers
Sapporo – Tokyo Haneda (CTS–HND), Japan
Fukuoka – Tokyo Haneda (FUK–HND), Japan
Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City (HAN–SGN), Vietnam
Shanghai Hongqiao – Beijing Capital (SHA–PEK), China
Jakarta – Denpasar Bali (CGK–DPS), Indonesia
Osaka – Tokyo Haneda (ITM–HND), Japan
Manila – Cebu (MNL–CEB), Philippines
Jeddah – Riyadh (JED–RUH), Saudi Arabia
Bangkok – Chiang Mai (BKK–CNX), Thailand
Note: Passenger volumes for ranks 2–10 were not disclosed in the WATS summary.
Regional leaders in air traffic
Latin America: Bogotá–Medellín (BOG–MDE) topped with 3.8 million passengers
Africa: Cape Town–Johannesburg (CPT–JNB) led with 3.3 million flyers
North America: New York JFK–Los Angeles (JFK–LAX) was highest with 2.2 million passengers
Europe: Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca (BCN–PMI) carried 2 million passengers
The WATS report also includes data on cargo traffic, operating costs, airline profitability, and employee numbers. IATA noted that this annual statistical review helps stakeholders track changes in demand and capacity planning across global air routes.For Indian travellers and airlines, the dominance of intra-Asia Pacific routes signals sustained demand for regional connectivity, which may guide network planning and route development in the coming years.
Published On Aug 6, 2025 at 04:37 PM IST
Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals.
Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox.
Get updates on your preferred social platform
Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more.
Home»TOURISM NEWS» Singapore Strengthen Ties With India Through Cultural Tourism And Trade
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
With Singapore establishing itself as one of the top destinations globally, its tourism outreach to Indian travellers has seen substantial growth. With over 1.1 million visitor arrivals from India in 2023 and a 5.1% increase during the first five months of 2024, the island nation is experiencing a boom in tourism from one of its largest and fastest-expanding markets. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is capitalizing on this opportunity by curating cultural tourism experiences and forging stronger trade partnerships to enhance engagement with Indian travellers.
A Strategic Focus on Indian Travellers
The Indian market continues to play a pivotal role in Singapore’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. Data from the Singapore Tourism Board indicates that India has become the third-largest source market for the country, with over 1 million arrivals in 2023. By early 2024, the number of Indian visitors already exceeded half a million, marking a notable increase in tourism from India. STB has tailored its strategies to meet the growing aspirations of Indian travellers, who are increasingly seeking unique, high-value experiences in Singapore.
Repeat Visitors: A Sign of Success
One of the most significant indicators of success for Singapore in the Indian market is the rate of repeat visits. Over 40% of Indian visitors to Singapore are repeat travellers, reflecting a deep level of brand familiarity and satisfaction. This high return rate is not just a statistic but also a testament to Singapore’s ability to offer evolving experiences that resonate with Indian tourists. The STB is steering away from marketing Singapore as a one-time checklist destination, focusing instead on promoting the city-state as a return-worthy, lifestyle-oriented travel hub.
Innovative Engagement Strategies
The STB recently launched an innovative B2B roadshow series in India, designed specifically for the Indian market. These roadshows featured over 60 Singaporean tourism partners who showcased the latest developments and offerings from Singapore. Held in New Delhi and Kochi, the roadshow utilized a unique format, with dedicated experience zones that allowed tourism partners such as attractions, cruise lines, and destination management companies to present their services through immersive presentations.
As part of this campaign, the STB also introduced cultural elements, such as showcasing traditional Peranakan attire, to deepen emotional and cultural ties between the two nations. This is a symbolic gesture, aligning with the celebration of 60 years of India-Singapore diplomatic relations, and further solidifying Singapore’s cultural connections with its Indian audience.
Strengthening Connectivity Between India and Singapore
The ease of travel is another critical driver of tourism growth. Singapore now enjoys direct flight connections to 16 Indian cities, thanks to airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Vistara, Scoot, and IndiGo. This extensive flight network has enabled Singapore to penetrate Tier II and III Indian markets, tapping into high-spending outbound travellers. With just a four-hour flight from Mumbai, Singapore is positioned as the perfect weekend getaway destination for Indian travellers.
STB is also enhancing its visibility in India through campaigns with travel giants like IndiGo, Yatra, and TripAffiliate, as well as collaborating with celebrity influencers in its dedicated content creator program.
Focus on MICE Tourism
India’s significant contribution to Singapore’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism has been especially pronounced in recent years. Singapore is set to host major MICE events in 2025, including a 6,100-delegate incentive trip from Sun Pharma and the CREDAI Natcon Convention’s debut Singapore edition. To build on this success, the STB has extended its popular “Just Between Us Friends” campaign to the MICE segment, offering Indian incentive groups exclusive perks such as benefits from Sentosa’s island partners and enhanced travel packages from IndiGo and Singapore Airlines.
In addition, the STB has introduced a new initiative called the “Singapore DMC Trade Partner Fam Support Scheme,” which will support Indian travel agents’ exposure to Singapore. This pilot program aims to inspire agents to curate more experience-rich itineraries for the Indian market.
Sentosa: A Key Attraction for Indian Visitors
Sentosa continues to be one of Singapore’s top attractions, particularly for Indian tourists. The island has seen an increase in the length of stay among Indian visitors, with family groups and solo travellers alike flocking to experience its unique blend of nature, culture, and leisure. In 2024, Sentosa introduced innovative experiences such as Sensoryscape, an interactive AR-infused thoroughfare, which has already attracted over 5 million visitors. Other attractions such as Harry Potter: Visions of Magic and Minion Land are also drawing significant interest from Indian tourists, especially families and millennial travellers.
For India’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), Sentosa has launched Raffles Sentosa, an ultra-luxury all-villa property that is expected to appeal to this affluent segment. Additionally, new experiences like the Singapore Oceanarium promise high repeat value, with Indian visitors eager to return for more immersive and authentic encounters.
Diversified Offerings Beyond Sentosa
While Sentosa remains a primary focus, other destinations in Singapore are also attracting Indian visitors. Jurassic World, a thrilling experience at Gardens by the Bay, and Rainforest Wild Asia, Asia’s first rainforest-themed wildlife park, are among the new attractions that offer unique experiences. The Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, and Kada, a refurbished 100-year-old hospital turned lifestyle precinct, are also drawing attention for their chic cafés, pilates studios, and design boutiques.
These diversified offerings reflect Singapore’s commitment to catering to the evolving tastes of Indian travellers, who are increasingly seeking personalized, immersive, and culturally rich experiences.
Looking Ahead: Singapore’s Bright Future with Indian Travellers
Singapore’s strategic outreach to Indian travellers continues to yield impressive results, with increasing visitor numbers, a robust base of repeat visitors, and deepening cultural and cultural bonding. Through curated experiences, trade partnerships and better connectivity, Singapore is aiming to be the preferred destination for Indian luxury, adventure and lifestyle seekers. It is expected that Singapore’s cultural tourism will remain a premier destination highlight for Indian travellers.
Chan Brothers has rebranded its premium division, formerly known as Chan Brothers Prestige, to Prestige by Chan Brothers.
“The positioning is deliberate – to elevate our company as a luxury travel brand whilst maintaining our legacy as part of Chan Brothers Travel,” said Chloe Chan, who has helmed Prestige by Chan Brothers since 2022.
The relaunch includes a refreshed name, brand logo, and colour scheme. Internal and customer-facing updates are already underway, with the new branding reflected on its website and social media channels.
According to Chan, the rebrand is the first step in a broader modernisation of the business. “We’re also leveraging generative AI to streamline internal operations and marketing processes,” she said. “It’s not just about aesthetics, but transforming how we operate.”
Since its soft relaunch in July, Prestige by Chan Brothers has shifted its focus away from mass-market tours to curated travel experiences. These include wildlife expeditions, island getaways, and wellness retreats.
The brand has also observed growing interest from younger demographics. “We’re seeing more Gen Z and millennial clients booking private, high-end trips, especially to destinations like China, Antarctica and wellness retreats,” she added.
As the refreshed brand gains momentum, Chan sees the rebranding as a key step in clarifying the company’s identity.
“There’s still some overlap in perception between us and the main Chan Brothers brand,” she said. “But with Prestige by Chan Brothers, we’re carving out a distinct space in the luxury travel segment – and the response so far has been encouraging.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login