Finnair expands British Airways codeshare to target more UK customers: Finnair has expanded its codeshare with oneworld alliance member, British Airways, as the Finnish airline continues to expand its reach in the UK and targets new customers in the Channel Islands and Gibraltar. The expanded agreement will see Finnair add its code to an additional seven of British Airways’ domestic routes, enabling customers to benefit from increased connectivity when travelling to Finland and beyond. With immediate effect, Finnair will add its code to British Airways flights between London Heathrow and Aberdeen, Belfast City, Gibraltar, Inverness, Jersey, Manchester and Newcastle. The move will enable customers to book the above services directly via Finnair, allowing travellers to fly from their chosen regional airport with British Airways, before connecting onto Finnair flights at Heathrow Airport. From there, customers can enjoy direct flights with Finnair from Heathrow to Helsinki, or choose to connect onto the airline’s wide-range of destinations in Lapland, the Nordics, and the Baltics. Those looking to travel further afield, can also benefit from Finnair’s network in the Far-East, including routes to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Singapore and Seoul, among others. The expanded codeshare means that customers based outside of Finnair’s current UK gateways of London, Manchester and Edinburgh can now enjoy connectivity to Finland and beyond, giving the Nordic airline a new pool of potential customers.
Ais Astana launches new flight to Guangzhou: Air Astana is set to expand its China network with the launch of a new service from Almaty to Guangzhou on 30 March 2025. Flights to Guangzhou will be operated using Airbus A321LR aircraft three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with departure from Almaty at 20.50 and arrival in Guangzhou at 05.45 next day. The return flight will depart Guangzhou at 06.50 and arrive in Almaty at 10.20. All times local. Economy class return fares including taxes start at US$531, whilst Business class fares return fares including taxes start at US$1,561. “China has always been a strategically important market for Air Astana, with strong business and leisure traffic growth since the first service was launched between Astana and Beijing more than 20 year ago,” said Peter Foster, Chief Executive of Air Astana. “The launch of the new service to Guangzhou represents a very significant step in expanding Air Astana’s China network.” Air Astana currently operates seven weekly flights to Beijing from Almaty and Astana and four weekly flights to Urumqi from Almaty. Kazakhstan citizens can travel in China for up to 30 days without a visa. Air Astana currently operates seven weekly flights to Beijing from Almaty and Astana and four weekly flights to Urumqi from Almaty. Kazakhstan citizens can travel in China for up to 30 days without a visa.
Vietjet adds service connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Bangalore and Hyderabad: Vietjet is further enhancing its international flight network with the addition of two new routes linking Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, to the two major Indian cities of Hyderabad and Bangalore. Set to commence on March 18 and 19, respectively, these new services will solidify Vietjet’s position as a key player in the growing Vietnam-India aviation market, fostering increased connectivity and promoting economic ties across Asia. The two new routes from Vietnam to India complement Vietjet’s expanding global operations. With these additions, the airline now operates 10 routes between the two countries, providing 78 weekly flights. This network connects Vietnam’s largest cities – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang – to key metropolises in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, as well as Bangalore and Hyderabad.
HK Express to resume direct flights to Nha Trang: HK Express Airways will resume direct flights between Hong Kong and Nha Trang on 3 April 2025. The airline will operate four weekly flights to Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR). This will also mark the airline’s fourth destination in Vietnam, accumulating to a total of 46 weekly round-trip flights to Vietnam. In just over two hours, customers can reach this sun-drenched beach paradise. Travellers can also take advantage of our “open jaw” option, allowing them to “Gotta Go” explore other destinations in Vietnam with HK Express. Nha Trang, nestled along Vietnam’s stunning central coast, is an enchanting seaside gem known for its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking hills, and affordable luxury villas and hotels! This vibrant city is not just about relaxing by the beach; it comes alive with a high-voltage nightlife and is a top-notch diving paradise that draws in adventure seekers from all over the globe.
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