Travel Industry Events News Page 145
Malaysia Airlines debuts Manchester United livery during 2025 Asia Post-Season Tour
Malaysia Airlines proudly unveiled a specially designed Manchester United themed livery on its A330-300 aircraft, celebrating its ongoing role as the football club's Official Commercial Airline Partner. The special aircraft will carry the First Team to their next match scheduled in Hong Kong on 30 May 2025 as part of its Post-Season Tour in Asia, showcasing a bold design that merges the airline's iconic Malaysia flag livery with Manchester United's iconic red - symbolising the shared values of passion, pride, and global unity.
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Turkish Airlines and THAI strike codeshare agreement
Turkish Airlines and Thai Airways (THAI) have announced a codeshare agreement to drive more passenger traffic between Türkiye and Thailand. The flag carriers signed a joint business agreement in Delhi at the IATA Annual General Meeting on 1 June 2025, extending an alliance that began in December 2023 when Thai Airways launched daily flights from Bangkok to Istanbul.
DCT and Rotana Unveil Summer Campaign to Drive Regional Tourism
Building on the strategic collaboration announced at Arabian Travel Market 2025, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Rotana, the Middle East’s leading hospitality company, have now unveiled the first phase of their joint initiative to boost summer tourism to the emirate. This partnership aims to address seasonal travel lulls and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a dynamic, year-round destination. With Rotana’s strong regional appeal and global loyalty network, the collaboration is primed to drive bookings across Abu Dhabi’s diverse source markets, particularly the GCC.
LATAM Airlines Group to Host 82nd IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2026, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group. “We are excited to accept LATAM’s offer to host IATA’s 82nd AGM in Rio de Janeiro. The last time the IATA AGM was in South America was in 1999, also in Rio. It will be a great opportunity to take stock of changes over two decades of development that have seen strengthening air connectivity successfully support major world events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. By meeting in the largest aviation market in South America, the AGM will highlight the great potential for aviation to be an even more powerful strategic force driving social and economic prosperity,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Luis Gallego Chairs IATA Board
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board. His one-year term began at the conclusion of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India, on 2 June 2025. Gallego is the 83rd Chair of the IATA Board on which he has served since 2018. Gallego succeeds IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, who will continue to serve on the Board.
Willie Walsh's Report on the Air Transport Industry at the 81st IATA AGM
In 2025 airlines will make a $36 billion profit on revenues of $979 billion. While those are big numbers, let’s remember this equates to a net margin of a mere 3.7% or $7.20 net profit per passenger. Our profitability is not commensurate to the enormous value that we create at the heart of a value chain supporting 3.9% of global GDP and providing and supporting jobs for 86.5 million people.
American Airlines now offers TSA PreCheck Touchless ID for AAdvantage members at select airports
AAdvantage® members traveling through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) will be eligible to enjoy a streamlined process at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints through TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID. This program provides eligible members who choose to participate with the ability to move through security with ease at select airports. After an identity match compares a customer’s image to photos they previously provided to the government, such as those in a passport, Global Entry or a visa card, the customer will be able to move through security faster with ease.
Escape to Paradise with the Indigo Lotus Package at The Slate Phuket
Immerse yourself in a world of indulgence, mystery, and beauty with the exclusive Indigo Lotus Package at The Slate Phuket. Inspired by the hit HBO series The White Lotus, this one-of-a-kind resort experience transports you to a realm of luxurious comfort, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable adventures, but without any murder or scandals.
Lisbon Gets Into the Swing for National Golf Day
With National Golf Day approaching on 4 October, now is the perfect time for golf enthusiasts to start planning a trip to Lisbon to celebrate this beloved sport. Boasting over 20 golf courses across the Lisbon region, the destination offers unparalleled variety, stunning scenery and mild weather, making it the ultimate golfing getaway. To mark National Golf Day, the Lisbon Tourism Association highlights three exceptional 9-hole courses that provide a perfect mix of challenge, beauty and accessibility:
Airline Profitability to Strengthen Slightly in 2025 Despite Headwinds
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced updates to its 2025 airline industry financial outlook, showing improved profitability over 2024 and resilience in the face of global economic and political shifts.
Policy Shortcomings Puts SAF Production at Risk
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it expects Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to reach 2 million tonnes (Mt) (2.5 billion liters) or 0.7% of airlines’ total fuel consumption in 2025.
$1.3 Billion in Airline Funds Blocked by Governments
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that $1.3 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of end April 2025. This is a significant amount, although it is an improvement of 25% compared with the $1.7 billion reported for October 2024. IATA urged governments to remove all barriers preventing airlines from the timely repatriation of their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations.