Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition

AN ILLUSTRATION OF Singapore graces the front of this magazine, as our cover story concerns the city's future-ready MICE sector. Many of you, if not most, will have travelled to Singapore for business and perhaps a conference or expo. The reasons why it leads the world in this held are plain to see: besides state-ofthe-art MICE facilities, backed by the latest innovations in tech and AI, the city itself is a major draw. How many in Asia can boast first-class public transport and infrastructure, excellent regional and global connections, safe streets, universal fluency in English and world-leading services? All this is complemented by wonderful food, leafy avenues, remarkable architecture and plenty of calm, green spaces. As they say, what's not to like? Turn to page 46 to learn more. We…

PAUL CLIFTON Paul was a BBC transport correspondent for 32 years and is a regular contributor to RAIL magazine. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. In this issue he follows the development of railways, from steam-powered beginnings to their spread across the globe and high-speed future. ISHAN SINGH Singapore-based Ishan is a writer covering innovation, finance and policy issues across Asia. His bylines appear in publications including the South China Morning Post and Esquire Singapore. He wrote our cover story on Singapore's MICE sector, examining why it's leading the world - and how that position has been achieved. JANE WOOLDRIDGE Jane's passion for travel has taken her to more than 100 countries - many more than once. Her work as a multimedia travel…

HEAD TO TORONTO'S Entertainment District this September to rub shoulders with film critics, cinephiles, budding filmmakers, established auteurs and A-listers, who will all be flocking to the Canadian city to attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the festival opens with the premiere of John Candy: I Like Me, a documentary directed by Colin Hanks. Running from September 4-14, TIFF's ten-day programme includes talks from leading industry figures and Hollywood stars, a five-day conference for entertainment professionals, and a series of eagerly awaited screenings such as romantic comedy Mile End Kicks and a film adaptation of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler. AVIATION Route, fleet & cabin updates LOYALTY Cathay's Asia Miles changes HOTELS Branded merch to brag about TRAVEL FORECAST The science of lounge…

BT SAYS The main difference between Etihad's A321LR first and business class cabins is the addition of a sliding door and upgraded food and drink. A-class A321 The biggest news to come out of Etihad is the debut of its new Airbus A321LR, featuring the very first international first class product to fly on a narrowbody aircraft. The launch took place on August 1, and the aircraft have two First Suites featuring lie-flat Stelia Opera seats with a sliding door, space for a companion to sit, plus a 17.3-inch, 4K IFE screen with Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging as in business class (which also uses the Stelia Opera model). Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad's CEO, told Business Traveller Asia-Pacific the airline plans to use the A321LR on thinner and trial routes, in…

► STARLUX AIRLINES of Taiwan has agreed a top-up order with Airbus for ten additional A3501000 aircraft, raising its order total to 18 long-haul A350-1000s. The ten aircraft are expected to join the Starlux fleet from 2031, after an initial eight A350-1000s from its first order, slated for delivery starting this year. Starlux already operates an all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft, including ten A350900s, five A330neos and 13 A321neos. “Expanding our international fleet with additional A350-1000s is a significant step toward reinforcing our global presence and enhancing connectivity across key markets,” said Starlux CEO, Glenn Chai. He also noted the A350-1000's efficiency, range and comfort, which aligns with the airline's strategy of “optimising long-haul operations while delivering an exceptional passenger experience”. ‘It would be the first nonstop service connecting Phoenix…

STAR ALLIANCE MEMBER Thai Airways is rolling out major fleet and cabin product upgrades later this year with the arrival of its first regional A321neo aircraft, including lie-flat seats in its Royal Silk business class. The A321neo will become a backbone of the airline's future fleet, with currently more than 30 of the aircraft on order, and more on the cards. The aircraft will feature 16 lie-flat business class seats in an alternating 2-2/1-1 configuration, including single “throne seats” in alternate rows, just like those pioneered by Air Astana and later Aer Lingus. The A321neos are expected to be deployed across the Thai flag carrier's Asia-Pacific network, including to India and China. They will open up new markets for Thai Airways, as well as replace and freeup current widebody aircraft…