ASEAN TRiPPER October 2013 | Page 13

Mile High Club Uplifting news from Southeast Asia’s airline industry Airbus forecast predicts increasing reliance on aviation Over 29,000 new aircraft required over the next 20 years According to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast (GMF) in the next 20 years, 2013-2032, air traffic will grow at 4.7 per cent annually requiring over 29,220 new passenger and freighter aircraft valued at nearly US $4.4 trillion. Economic growth, growing middle classes, affordability, ease of travel, urbanization, tourism, and migration are some factors increasing connectivity between people and regions and how often they travel. “By 2032, Asia-Pacific will lead the world in traffic overtaking Europe and North America,” said John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer (Customers). “Today on average, a fifth of the population of the emerging markets take a flight annually and by 2032, this will swell to two thirds. The attraction of air travel means that passenger numbers will more than double from today’s 2.9 billion, to 6.7 billion by 2032, clearly demonstrating aviation’s essential role in economic growth.” Bangkok Airways Expands Service in Myanmar Airline becomes the first foreign carrier in Nay Pyi Taw Bangkok Airways has recently announced its latest expansion into Myanmar by offering non-stop flights from Bangkok to Nay Pyi Taw, the capital city of The Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The airline will be the first scheduled foreign air carrier to service this route, and the only Thai airline that serves all 3 main cities of Myanmar. Service began on September 30, 2013, and there are 3 non-stop flights per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). All passengers of Bangkok Airways can also enjoy a boutique lounge at Suvarnabhumi, with a multitude of free snacks and various choices of hot or cold drinks, plus free Wi-Fi Internet access. www.bangkokair.com Singapore Airlines A380 Now Serving Shanghai 35 weekly flights to Pudong International Airport in China Singapore Airlines customers travelling to and from Shanghai will be able to enjoy the comfort of the world’s largest aircraft, the Airbus A380, starting on October 27, 2013. SIA operates 35 weekly flights to Shanghai Pudong International Airport using Boeing 777 aircraft during the northern summer operating season, and 28 weekly flights during the northern winter operating season. The superjumbo A380 will be used for 5 flights per week from the start of the northern winter season, increasing overall seat capacity by 12%. Singapore Airlines and SilkAir currently operate a total of 116 weekly flights to 10 destinations in mainland China, namely Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wuhan and Xiamen. www.singaporeair.com 13