MalaysianUpdates

Category: Luxury Travel

  • Emirates Group Strengthens Global Position with Historic Profit and Revenue

    Emirates Group Strengthens Global Position with Historic Profit and Revenue

    Emirates Group recorded its highest-ever profit for the 2025-26 financial year, posting a pre-tax profit of AED24.4 billion (US$6.6 billion), an increase of seven per cent compared to the previous year. The Group also achieved record revenue of AED150.5 billion (US$41 billion) despite facing operational disruptions across the Gulf region during the reporting period.

    Emirates maintained its position as the world’s most profitable airline, reporting a pre-tax profit of AED22.8 billion (US$6.2 billion), up seven per cent year-on-year. The strong performance was driven by network expansion and the addition of new Airbus A350 aircraft equipped with the airline’s latest products and technologies.

    Meanwhile, dnata also delivered an impressive performance, recording its highest-ever revenue of AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion) alongside steady profit growth, supported by increased airport operations, catering and travel services activities.

    For the financial year ended 31 March 2026, Emirates Group also reported record cash assets of AED59.6 billion (US$16.2 billion), reflecting a 12 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The Group’s EBITDA reached AED41.1 billion (US$11.2 billion), highlighting strong operating profitability.

    The Group declared a dividend of AED3.5 billion (US$1 billion) to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Following the increase in the UAE corporate tax rate from nine to 15 per cent due to the implementation of Pillar Two tax regulations, Emirates Group posted a profit after tax of AED21 billion (US$5.7 billion), up three per cent from the 2024-25 financial year.

    Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said the outstanding results demonstrated the resilience of Emirates Group’s business model, which is built on safety, innovation, service excellence, strong talent and strategic partnerships.

    He noted that during the first 11 months of the 2025-26 financial year, demand for Emirates and dnata products and services remained robust, contributing to higher revenue and healthy profit margins driven by continuous investments in products, technology, branding and people development.

    However, military activities in the Gulf region on 28 February significantly disrupted global commercial aviation operations, including in the UAE. Emirates and dnata responded swiftly by implementing measures to support affected customers and employees while ensuring operational continuity.

    Sheikh Ahmed said Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub, supported by modern infrastructure and a strong aviation ecosystem, enabled UAE authorities to act quickly in securing safe commercial flight corridors. Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have since gradually recovered, although passenger capacity has yet to fully return to pre-disruption levels.

    He also highlighted the important role played by Emirates Group employees in ensuring the organisation remained agile and operationally efficient during challenging times. Sheikh Ahmed further expressed appreciation for Dubai’s leadership and its continued support for the aviation sector as a key driver of the emirate’s economy.

    Throughout the 2025-26 financial year, Emirates Group invested AED17.9 billion (US$4.9 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment and advanced technologies to support future growth. The Group’s workforce also expanded by eight per cent to 130,919 employees, including a growing UAE national workforce which now exceeds 4,000 employees.

    Commenting on the outlook for 2026-27, Sheikh Ahmed said Emirates Group is entering the new financial year with a very strong cash position and solid business fundamentals. He added that the Group would continue its aircraft delivery and cabin retrofit programmes while maintaining investments in new facilities and world-class customer experiences.

    During the year, Emirates expanded its network with four new destinations: Da Nang, Hangzhou, Siem Reap and Shenzhen. As of 31 March 2026, Emirates’ global network covered 152 cities across 80 countries. The airline also strengthened its strategic partnerships with 32 codeshare partners and 117 interline partners, providing customers access to more than 1,700 cities worldwide.

    Emirates received 15 new Airbus A350 aircraft during the financial year, enabling the airline to offer more premium products, including Premium Economy Class and next-generation inflight entertainment systems. By the end of March 2026, Emirates operated a fleet of 277 aircraft with an average fleet age of 10.8 years.

    Emirates’ revenue increased by two per cent to AED130.9 billion (US$35.7 billion), while profit after tax reached a record AED19.7 billion (US$5.4 billion). The airline carried 53.2 million passengers during the financial year, recording a passenger seat factor of 78.4 per cent.

    As part of efforts to enhance customer experience, Emirates introduced high-speed Starlink internet connectivity across its aircraft and continued its US$5 billion cabin retrofit programme. To date, 91 aircraft have completed the full refurbishment process.

    Emirates SkyCargo also delivered strong performance, handling 2.4 million tonnes of cargo, up three per cent from the previous year. The cargo division generated AED16.2 billion (US$4.4 billion) in revenue, contributing 12 per cent to Emirates’ total revenue.

    In addition, dnata continued to strengthen its global operations as revenue increased by 12 per cent to AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion). The growth was driven by increased aviation and travel activities across key markets including Australia, Europe, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    dnata also invested AED858 million (US$234 million) to expand catering facilities, cargo operations and environmentally friendly ground support equipment. The company continued implementing sustainability initiatives, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), food waste reduction programmes and the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in its operations.

    On the social responsibility front, Emirates Group continued supporting community programmes through the Emirates Airline Foundation and the dnata4good platform, including initiatives focused on education, healthcare and welfare assistance for underprivileged communities worldwide.

  • A New Era of Connectivity: Emirates A380 Returns with Starlink Wi-Fi

    A New Era of Connectivity: Emirates A380 Returns with Starlink Wi-Fi

    In 2026, Emirates’ flagship Airbus A380, long regarded as one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation, is set to reach new heights with the completion of its first installation of next-generation Starlink Wi-Fi. The aircraft was among the earliest in the commercial aviation industry to introduce onboard internet, although its first-generation systems provided less than 1 Mbps of bandwidth. With the installation of three Starlink antennas on each A380, onboard connectivity is expected to improve significantly, delivering a “better than at home” internet experience for passengers even while cruising at 40,000 feet.

    The first Emirates A380 fitted with Starlink has recently returned to Dubai following successful installation and certification in Newquay, United Kingdom. With more A380 aircraft scheduled for accelerated upgrades throughout 2026, passengers can expect a major improvement in onboard connectivity, allowing them to stream, browse, game, and work seamlessly on personal devices throughout their journey. The service will be offered free of charge across all cabin classes, with a simple and convenient sign-up process. Future enhancements are also planned, including live TV streaming via Starlink, initially available on personal devices before being integrated into seatback screens.

    From its well-known Onboard Lounge to its signature First Class Shower Spa, the Emirates A380 has consistently redefined the long-haul travel experience and remains highly regarded by travellers worldwide. With the addition of Starlink’s seamless connectivity across all cabins, the A380 experience continues to evolve, offering passengers a fully connected journey in the sky.

    As the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the A380 presents unique engineering challenges and opportunities. This industry-first Starlink configuration has been specifically designed to meet the demands of the aircraft’s double-decker layout and high passenger capacity, with the capability to deliver more than 2 Gbps of total bandwidth across the cabin. Compared to the Emirates Boeing 777, the A380 is equipped with additional wireless access points and a third antenna to better support its higher number of passengers. Enhanced integration between decks ensures a smooth and reliable Wi-Fi experience, allowing passengers to enjoy high-speed connectivity depending on usage and device capability.

    To accelerate deployment across its fleet, Starlink installations will soon commence at Emirates Engineering facilities in Dubai. The airline remains committed to delivering best-in-class connectivity across its fleet as quickly as possible, with 25 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft already equipped with Starlink and the first A380 now entering service. To date, more than 650,000 Emirates passengers have already flown on Starlink-equipped aircraft, experiencing the benefits of next-generation onboard connectivity firsthand.

    The introduction of Starlink on the A380 forms part of Emirates’ broader efforts to enhance the overall customer journey, including one of the most ambitious aircraft retrofit programmes in aviation history. So far, 93 Emirates aircraft have undergone full refurbishment, featuring the addition of highly regarded Premium Economy cabins, upgraded Business Class, refreshed First Class suites, improved interiors and finishes in Economy Class, and enhanced inflight systems offering more than 6,500 channels of entertainment.

    In addition to these hardware upgrades, Emirates continues to invest in training programmes and facilities that are essential to delivering an exceptional customer experience. In mid-2025, the airline opened an US$8 million Centre of Hospitality Excellence to train its 25,000 cabin crew in delivering world-class onboard service, combining both tangible and intangible elements to further elevate the overall travel experience.

  • Emirates Bawakan Pengalaman Perayaan Tahun Baru Cina Istimewa Untuk Penumpang Malaysia

    Emirates Bawakan Pengalaman Perayaan Tahun Baru Cina Istimewa Untuk Penumpang Malaysia

    Sempena sambutan Tahun Baru Cina Kuda, Emirates menandakan salah satu tempoh perjalanan paling sibuk di Asia Tenggara dengan menawarkan pengalaman penumpang yang dipertingkatkan di dalam penerbangan serta berkongsi pandangan menyeluruh mengenai trend pelancongan ke dan dari Malaysia, Thailand dan Vietnam sepanjang musim cuti tersebut. Tahun Baru Cina kekal sebagai antara musim perjalanan paling penting di rantau ini, menggabungkan tradisi pertemuan keluarga dengan peningkatan perjalanan ke destinasi antarabangsa.

    Berdasarkan data tempahan bagi Februari 2026, Emirates merekodkan skala dan kepelbagaian tujuan perjalanan yang merentasi seluruh pasaran Asia Tenggara. Di Malaysia, perjalanan sepanjang tempoh perayaan didorong oleh gabungan pertemuan keluarga dan percutian antarabangsa. Trafik masuk didahului oleh United Kingdom, Emiriah Arab Bersatu, Jerman dan Amerika Syarikat, mencerminkan hubungan kukuh Malaysia dengan komuniti global serta daya tarikannya sebagai destinasi pelancongan semasa Tahun Baru Cina. Kebanyakan pelancong yang tiba terdiri daripada pelancong solo dan pasangan, manakala pelancong berkeluarga mewakili sebahagian kecil. Dalam masa yang sama, pelancong dari Malaysia mengambil peluang cuti perayaan untuk melancong ke destinasi jarak jauh seperti Dubai, Istanbul, Kaherah, London dan Paris. Corak perjalanan keluar turut didominasi oleh pelancong solo dan pasangan, diikuti oleh pelancong berkumpulan dan keluarga. Keadaan ini menjadikan musim perayaan sebagai pemangkin kepada perjalanan antarabangsa serta mengukuhkan kepentingan ketersambungan global dan pilihan kabin premium.

    Di Thailand, data tempahan menunjukkan bahawa perjalanan sempena Tahun Baru Cina bagi Februari 2026 kekal didominasi oleh aktiviti riadah. Permintaan masuk tertinggi datang dari Jerman, United Kingdom, Rusia, Perancis dan Hong Kong, sekali gus mengekalkan kedudukan Thailand sebagai destinasi percutian utama dalam kalangan pelancong antarabangsa. Pelancong yang tiba kebanyakannya terdiri daripada pelancong solo dan pasangan, manakala pelancong berkeluarga dan berkumpulan mencatatkan peratusan yang lebih kecil, menandakan bahawa tempoh ini lebih tertumpu kepada percutian berbanding pertemuan keluarga. Bagi perjalanan keluar, pelancong Thailand cenderung memilih destinasi jarak dekat dan serantau seperti Hong Kong, Da Nang dan Dubai. Kebanyakan perjalanan adalah untuk percutian singkat atau lawatan kepada rakan dan saudara mara, menjadikan tempoh ini sebagai musim perjalanan yang fleksibel dengan permintaan tinggi terhadap penerbangan yang kerap.

    Di Vietnam, musim perayaan Tết memperlihatkan peningkatan permintaan bagi perjalanan jarak jauh. Data tempahan menunjukkan bahawa pelancongan masuk didahului oleh Jerman, Thailand, United Kingdom, Amerika Syarikat dan Rusia. Penumpang yang tiba kebanyakannya terdiri daripada pelancong solo dan pasangan, dengan sebahagian besar perjalanan didorong oleh tujuan peribadi, riadah serta lawatan kepada rakan dan saudara mara. Ini menggariskan kepentingan Tết sebagai waktu untuk pertemuan keluarga. Dalam masa yang sama, pelancong Vietnam turut memanfaatkan cuti perayaan untuk melancong ke luar negara, dengan destinasi seperti Dubai, Bangkok, London, Paris dan Moscow menjadi pilihan utama. Selain pulang ke kampung halaman, musim ini semakin dilihat sebagai peluang untuk mengimbangi tanggungjawab kekeluargaan dengan pengalaman pelancongan antarabangsa, sekali gus meningkatkan permintaan terhadap ketersambungan global.

    Bagi meraikan Tahun Kuda, Emirates turut menawarkan pelbagai pengalaman penumpang sepanjang tempoh Tahun Baru Cina, sama ada di darat mahupun di udara. Dari 17 hingga 19 Februari 2026, pelanggan boleh menikmati hidangan panas dan pencuci mulut istimewa yang diinspirasikan daripada tradisi Tahun Baru Cina di ruang istirahat Emirates terpilih di Dubai, Singapura, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai dan Hong Kong. Di dalam penerbangan pula, antara 16 hingga 20 Februari 2026, suasana perayaan dibawakan ke pasaran utama Asia termasuk China, Taiwan, Singapura dan Malaysia melalui sajian pencuci mulut bertemakan Tahun Baru Cina serta pemberian angpao kepada penumpang.

    Penumpang yang menaiki penerbangan antara Dubai dan Kuala Lumpur sepanjang tempoh ini turut menikmati hidangan istimewa merentasi semua kelas kabin, termasuk kek mousse laici dan mawar bersalut coklat putih bagi pelanggan kabin premium serta pencuci mulut sagu kelapa dan taro bagi penumpang kelas ekonomi. Angpao berisi syiling coklat juga diberikan dalam penerbangan terpilih sebagai simbolik sambutan. Melengkapkan pengalaman tersebut, sistem hiburan dalam penerbangan Emirates ice menawarkan kandungan bertemakan Tahun Baru Cina, termasuk pilihan filem, rancangan televisyen dan muzik dalam pelbagai bahasa seperti bahasa Cina dan bahasa Melayu, bagi memastikan penumpang terus terhibur sepanjang perjalanan.

    Dengan rangkaian global yang merangkumi enam benua, Emirates terus memainkan peranan penting dalam menghubungkan Asia Tenggara dengan destinasi antarabangsa utama, khususnya semasa tempoh permintaan tinggi seperti musim Tahun Baru Cina.

  • Knai Bang Chatt in Kep West Unveils Festive “Year-End Escape” and New Year Art & Yoga Retreat

    Knai Bang Chatt in Kep West Unveils Festive “Year-End Escape” and New Year Art & Yoga Retreat

    Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West is inviting travellers to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 in soulful style with two uniquely curated experiences that celebrate connection, creativity, and the natural beauty of Cambodia’s coast. From December 28–31, 2025, the Year End Escape offers a festive coastal journey blending nostalgic rail travel, barefoot luxury, and immersive discovery. Guests can embark on a scenic train ride from Phnom Penh to Kep before settling into three nights at Knai Bang Chatt, Cambodia’s iconic seaside retreat. The four-day program features a series of curated experiences including rooftop cocktails at The Deck, a seafood celebration at Crab & Co., private island excursions with Marine Conservation Cambodia, and sunset cruises along Kep’s picturesque shoreline. The journey can be extended with a lively End-of-Year Party and New Year’s Brunch, providing the perfect coastal countdown to the new year.

    Immediately following, from January 1–4, 2026, the resort transforms into a sanctuary for reflection and creativity with the New Beginnings: Art & Yoga Retreat. Guided by yoga instructor Lana and artist Lolli, this four-day, three-night retreat focuses on mindful renewal through sunrise yoga, intuitive art sessions, meditation, and a creative excursion to Koh Po island. Participants are encouraged to reconnect with themselves through restorative practices, nourishing meals, and serene evenings under the stars, all within the tranquil surroundings of Knai Bang Chatt.

    Together, these two experiences encapsulate the philosophy of regenerative travel that Knai Bang Chatt is known for, offering journeys that rejuvenate both the traveller and the destination. Founder Jef Moons emphasizes that the programs are designed to close the year with gratitude and open the next with intention, allowing guests to move seamlessly from festive celebration to mindful restoration while enjoying the natural beauty and soulful charm of Cambodia’s coast.

    If you want, I can also craft a shorter, punchy version tailored for lifestyle or travel media that highlights the key experiences and dates. Do you want me to do that?