Routes news in brief

Jetstar Asia resumes Singapura-Medan direct route: Jetstar Asia has officially resumed the direct flight route connecting air connectivity between Singapore and Medan, Indonesia. The resume flight of this route successfully depart from Changi International Airport, Singapore (SIN) at 08:15 local time and arrive at Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) at 08:40 local time. The return flight from Kualanamu to Singapore is scheduled at 09:20 local time. Starting November 1, 2024, Jetstar Asia will offer daily flights using Airbus A320 aircraft to support passenger mobility on this route. The resume of the Singapore-Medan route is a significant step for Jetstar Asia in strengthening its network in Southeast Asia, while reaffirming the airline’s commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and affordable flight services for passengers. With the presence of this route, Jetstar Asia aims to support economic and tourism growth in Singapore and Medan. As a regional business and tourism hub, Singapore offers many opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Meanwhile, Medan, as one of the largest cities in Indonesia, has great potential to attract international tourists and strengthen the local business sector.

HK Express Hiroshima route resumes: HK Express Airways marked a significant milestone with the official relaunch of its Hong Kong-Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) service, restoring a vital link between these dynamic cities. “As Hong Kong’s only low-cost carrier, HK Express delivers affordable travel options with comprehensive coverage across Japan, enabling passengers to explore multiple cities while embracing our ‘Live More’ philosophy,” HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao said. The continued popularity of Japanese destinations among travellers motivates us to strengthen our presence in the Japanese market. “Through collaborative efforts with our partners, we’ve successfully reinstated the Hiroshima route – one of three routes to Japan launched by HK Express this year – offering travellers direct access to the city’s attractions and nearby regions. The market response following the route launch has been remarkable. To accommodate the growing demand, we will boost our service frequency to four weekly flights starting from January 2025.”

Korean Air announces 4th daily flight to and from Manila: Korean Air will add a fourth daily scheduled service between Seoul Incheon and Manila on November 24, further strengthening its presence in the Southeast Asian market and enhancing connectivity between the region and North America through its Seoul Incheon hub. Flight KE619 will depart Seoul Incheon at 21:40 and arrive in Manila at 01:05 the following day. The return flight, KE620, will depart Manila at 02:20 and arrive in Seoul Incheon at 07:25, offering optimal connections to Korean Air’s North American network. The new service will be operated by Korean Air’s A321neo aircraft, featuring 8 lie-flat business class seats and 174 economy class seats, offering passengers enhanced comfort and a premium travel experience. As Korean Air’s primary transit corridor between Southeast Asia and North America, the Manila route plays a pivotal role in the airline’s global network. The new late-night service is strategically scheduled to align with morning departures to North America, enhancing connectivity options for passengers. This capacity expansion demonstrates Korean Air’s commitment to optimizing its services in this vital market.

Emirates returns to Edinburgh with a daily service: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has touched down in the Scottish capital for the first time since 2020.  The Emirates Boeing 777 was welcomed by the celebrated Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, captivating passengers with an extraordinary display of musical prowess on the ground.  Edinburgh is Emirates’ eighth destination in the UK. The daily service will complement the airline’s current A380 daily flight to Glasgow – offering customers 14 weekly flights to/from the country. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “The UK is one of our most important markets, and we’re proud to reinstate our footprint in Scotland – a country that’s loved by visitors from around the world.  Scottish customers can look forward to an elevated travel experience onboard, initially with our Boeing 777 ahead of our highly anticipated A350 arrival. With 14 weekly flights to and from the country – passengers can now easily connect to popular long-haul destinations such as Thailand, Australia, and of course, the vibrant city of Dubai. The ample cargo capacity will also help support more industries across Scotland – offering more efficient and reliable transport solutions for businesses across the region to access international markets more quickly to meet demand. We’re excited to be back in Scotland’s capital and look forward to welcoming our passengers back onboard.”

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