AirAsia Philippines is anticipating a robust start for the latter half of 2024 and through the year’s end, fueled by increasing Filipino expenditure on travel. A recent survey conducted by travel platform Klook indicates that over 70% of Filipinos are prepared to allocate more funds towards airline tickets, accommodations, and activities in 2024. Although domestic travel remains a favored option for quick getaways, 76% of Filipinos express readiness for international trips this year.

In a strategic collaboration, The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline and Klook have joined forces to promote popular tourist destinations in Japan. Furthermore, AirAsia Philippines’ second-quarter load factor data reveals that 78.9% of travelers, exceeding 1 million Filipinos, have already secured bookings for immediate travel until June 2024. Most of these reservations are for global cities such as Taipei, Bangkok, Narita, Osaka, and Incheon.

“AirAsia Philippines’ commitment to provide the best affordable travel deals which gives seamless access not only to Philippine destinations, but also to 10 Asean countries and 130 destinations across the region and beyond, and our high regards for safety and service excellence has always been the blueprint to boost travel excitement. We remain flexible in responding to changing market trends by innovating and providing them with the best deals that fit their travel needs”, AirAsia Head of Communications and Public Affairs and First Officer Steve Dailisan shares.

AirAsia is highly optimistic about its Q2 performance, given its current load factor exceeding 80% as of May 13. The airline anticipates surpassing its impressive Q1 load factor of 92%, particularly due to an increasing number of Filipinos booking last-minute summer getaways. AirAsia’s frequent promotional offers and sales significantly influence travelers’ decision-making, making air travel more accessible and enticing.

To further encourage air travel, AirAsia is extending an enticing offer until May 19: one-way base fares starting from PHP1,750 to various destinations in Australia such as Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and others, valid for travel until March 31, 2025.

AirAsia Philippines is expanding its daily flight schedule from the Cebu hub to Boracay and Davao. Additionally, flights to Bacolod, Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, and Tacloban are still operating out of Manila via NAIA T2, with frequencies ranging from 3 to 9 times daily. For international flights to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Narita, and Macau, departures are scheduled 3 to 14 times weekly via NAIA T3.

The Board of Directors of Cargojet recently approved a cash dividend of $0.3146 per common voting share and variable voting share, spanning the period from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. This decision reflects the corporation’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders. Shareholders who are recorded as of the record date on June 20, 2024, will be entitled to receive this dividend, which is scheduled for payment on or before July 5, 2024. These dividends are categorized as eligible dividends according to the Income Tax Act (Canada), offering potential tax benefits to investors.

Cargojet has established itself as a leader in Canada’s air cargo industry, specializing in time-sensitive premium services across major North American cities. Its offerings include Dedicated, ACMI, and International Charter services, catering to diverse logistical needs. With an impressive weekly cargo volume exceeding 25,000,000 pounds, Cargojet operates efficiently with its own fleet comprising 41 aircraft. This robust infrastructure enables Cargojet to maintain high-quality service standards and meet the dynamic demands of its clientele.

The announcement of the dividend underscores Cargojet’s financial strength and strategic foresight in navigating the air cargo market. By consistently delivering dividends and sustaining operational excellence, Cargojet reinforces investor confidence and affirms its position as a reliable investment choice within the aviation sector. This move reflects the company’s dedication to shareholder value creation while continuing to expand and innovate within the competitive air cargo landscape.

Paralyzed Veterans of America, through PVA Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley, issued the following statement in response to the final passage of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 today.

“Paralyzed Veterans of America applauds the passage of the FAA reauthorization bill and its inclusion of provisions focused on improving the travel experience for people with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users. Today is a significant step forward in our efforts to improve the safety and dignity of the air travel experience for the disability community, especially our members – U.S. military veterans with catastrophic injuries or illnesses, such as MS and ALS, who fought for and earned the right to fly. This legislation not only prioritizes their well-being, but also acknowledges their unique air travel-related needs and empowers them with access to information about the travel process.”

Ansley continued, “We commend the leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation committees and their Aviation subcommittees, as well as Senator Tammy Baldwin and Representative Dina Titus, who worked closely with PVA and other key stakeholders, to enhance aircraft and airport accessibility. From increasing training requirements of airline personnel and their contractors who assist wheelchairs users and stow their assistive devices to improving the Department of Transportation’s complaint process and continuing to study the ability to fly in a wheelchair, this bill includes vital disability provisions and will lead to truly life-changing advances for those with mobility disabilities. We hope this bipartisan support will continue as both PVA and Congress work to ensure that the Air Carrier Access Act fully protects the civil rights of all passengers with disabilities.”

Captain Casey Murray, President of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), released a statement concerning the final approval of the bipartisan Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, which renews the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization for five years.

“SWAPA congratulates U.S. House and Senate leaders for working together and passing a bipartisan, bicameral FAA reauthorization. The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act contains a host of SWAPA-supported measures that reflect the priorities of SWAPA pilots. This bill maintains the highest level of safety on our flight decks and in our cabins, begins long-overdue reforms of FAA’s aeromedical processes, and expands aviation workforce development. We applaud today’s final passage of the bill, which addresses aviation industry safety issues, improves rulemaking and certification processes, strengthens the FAA’s international effectiveness, and fosters innovation. SWAPA also commends House and Senate leadership, including Senators Maria Cantwell, Ted Cruz, Tammy Duckworth, and Jerry Moran, along with Representatives Sam Graves, Rick Larsen, Garret Graves, and Steve Cohen. SWAPA thanks these congressional leaders and their hard-working staffs for their bipartisan efforts on this legislation that provides long-term direction and stability to the FAA and supports the industry’s prioritization of increasing levels of safety and innovation.”

Amalfi Jets Inc., a global leader in private jet charters and jet cards, has released the results of its 2024 average dynamic pricing analysis. This internal investigation compared all flights taken by Amalfi One Cardholders using the dynamic pricing option with the capped hourly rates.

“Dynamic pricing is our clear-cut way to pass cost savings onto our clients and build client loyalty”, said Kolin Jones, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, “We aim to show our members that we work on their behalf, not against them.”

Amalfi One Cardholders saved an average of 25.4% on the hourly rate across all categories. The specific savings are as follows:

• Light Jets: $5,995 USD per hour (21% savings from the capped hourly rate of $7,500 USD)
• Midsize Jets: $7,966 USD per hour (16% savings from the capped hourly rate of $9,500 USD)
• Super Midsize Jets: $8,225 USD per hour (29% savings from the capped hourly rate of $11,500 USD)
• Heavy Jets: $7,750 USD per hour (on flights over 4 hours, 43% savings from the capped hourly rate of $13,500 USD)
• Ultra Long-Haul Jets: $13,150 USD per hour (18% savings from the capped hourly rate of $16,500 USD)

The Amalfi One Jet Card is among the few industry products offering clients dynamic pricing, providing significant cost savings and fostering client loyalty, retention, and trust.

“In my experience, many clients leave their current providers due to increased prices,” said Brian Francis, President of Sales. “Our analysis shows that we are saving our clients on average 25.4% across all flights.”

In May, Amalfi is offering a 15% deposit bonus for deposits over $500,000 USD. With these cost savings, clients can save up to 40% by joining in May.

The company is experiencing a strong and profitable start to the year, highlighted by the successful launch of its first iOS and Android app and the anticipated unveiling of its redesigned website in June.

Recognized as a hub of business vitality and ambition, Singapore is renowned as a bustling commercial nucleus with extensive global connections.

Changi Airport, a cornerstone of its infrastructure, stands as one of Asia’s foremost transportation hubs and ranks among the world’s busiest for both passenger and cargo traffic. Consistently lauded as the World’s Best Airport in numerous Skytrax global airline and airport ratings, Changi sets a benchmark for sustainability. Beyond its conventional amenities, the airport features attractions like a butterfly garden and the magnificent Green Wall, adorned with over 113,000 plants across five stories. With over 100 airlines servicing Changi, including accommodations for the massive Airbus A380 and other large aircraft, the airport serves as a pivotal hub for both passenger and freight transport.

Zooming out to assess the broader Southeast Asian aviation landscape, a recent study* projects the market’s value at USD 36.06 billion in 2024, poised to reach USD 45.68 billion by 2029, experiencing a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 4.84% during 2024 – 2029. The report underscores the escalating disposable incomes of travelers in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore itself, coupled with the burgeoning tourism sector across the region, prompting substantial expansions of aircraft fleets. Furthermore, military aviation is on the rise across Southeast Asia in response to Chinese assertiveness vis-à-vis Taiwan.

As key industry players converge to establish footholds in the region, the Artemis Aerospace team, following meticulous analysis and groundwork, has determined the imperative of establishing a presence in this burgeoning market.

Jim Scott, co-founder and managing director of Artemis Aerospace, said:

“There’s been a huge rise in transactions in South East Asia for our multi-discipline business, including component supplies, component repairs, lessor support, flight simulation hardware support, consignment stock management and global aircraft logistics, and with the amount of work we are currently handling there we feel our customers will benefit from Artemis having a local hub. In our sector, speed is of the essence, and the new hub will make our service across the region even faster and more efficient.”

Artemis’s proficiency in sourcing components for flight simulators plays a pivotal role in minimizing downtime for these critical training tools, thereby ensuring seamless pilot and crew instruction with minimal disruptions. With the rapid expansion of the Southeast Asian aviation sector, the company anticipates a significant surge in demand for its services.