News From Asia 亚洲新闻

A digest of the key route development and schedule updates from airlines in the region...

Mandarin Airlines to Launch Taipei - Ishigaki Connection
Taiwan-based Mandarin Airlines plans to start Taipei Taoyuan - Ishigaki service starting 16MAY12, according to the airline's inhouse reservation system. Reservation for this twice weekly scheduled charter service is currently not open to general public.

ANA Adds Kumamoto to 787 Network
ANA has announced that it will be operating Boeing 787 aircraft on Tokyo Haneda - Kumamoto once a day, starting 01JUN12. Kumamoto is the 9th destination in ANA network served by the Dreamliner.

Mandala Airlines Relaunches Operations in April 2012
Indonesian low-cost carrier Mandala Airlines is relaunching operation from April 2012, after Tiger Airways invested in the airline in January 2012, together with Saratoga Group. The airline will begin operation from 05APR12, with Jakarta - Medan, followed by Jakarta - Kuala Lumpur starting 04MAY12.

Philippine Airlines Restarts International Flights from Kalibo
Philippine Airlines in the GDS has revealed its plan to restarts international service from Kalibo, outskirt of the renowned resort of Boracay. From 27APR12, it'll offer 2 weekly Kalibo - Hong Kong service, followed by 4 weekly Kalibo - Seoul Incheon flights from 05MAY12.

THAI Plans New Product Launch on 777-300ER Fleet in August 2012
Based on latest GDS inventory and seat map update, Star Alliance member Thai Airways International is to introduce new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on Bangkok - Tokyo Narita TG642/643 service, starting 16AUG12.

Japan's StarFlyer to Inaugurate International Services
Japanese carrier StarFlyer is set to enter international operation from July 2012, the airline has announced. In a press statement released by the carrier, it plans to operate 2 daily Kitakyushu - Busan flight from 12JUL12.

China Airlines Reveals Seoul Gimpo Plans
Based on latest schedule listing in the GDS on 23MAR12, Taiwan's China Airlines is set to resume Taipei Song Shan - Seoul Gimpo service from 30APR12, after 33 years. The airline is operating thrice weekly flights on board Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Richard Maslen

Richard Maslen has travelled across the globe to report on developments in the aviation sector as airlines and airports have continued to evolve and…