airasia Digital announces next MOVE, unveiling new era of travel innovation

Tweet

In a strategic move to emphasise its commitment towards travel, the digital arm of Capital A, airasia Digital announces its transformation into MOVE Digital (MOVE). This rebranding marks an exciting chapter in its next phase of growth through both its businesses, airasia Superapp and BigPay.

Capital A CEO and MOVE Executive Chairman Tony Fernandes (center) together with new airasia Move CEO Nadia Omer (left) and BigPay CEO Subin Rada Krishnan (right) during the big announcement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

MOVE’s travel platform business, airasia Superapp will also undergo a brand refresh and change its name to ‘airasia move’ in the near future as part of the ongoing transformation.

The visionary co-founder of AirAsia and CEO of Capital A, Tony Fernandes will assume the role of Executive Chairman of MOVE. He will play a pivotal role in driving the close collaboration between both airasia Superapp (now airasia move) and BigPay to unlock the true potential and synergy of these digital businesses.

“The name MOVE signifies us better as the digital arm of Capital A, and reiterates our commitment to move people, ideas and innovation forward within the travel space. Imagine seamless access to travel and financial services on one single platform, with integrated financial features such as balance display, top-up and payments from BigPay and further strengthening the value proposition of airasia move as the travel app of choice. My role as the Executive Chairman of MOVE will be to enhance synergy between both businesses. With this change, the market can expect an enriching user experience aside from more integration of BigPay features within the airasia Superapp (now airasia move) very soon” said Tony Fernandes, Executive Chairman of MOVE.

In this new era of travel innovation for MOVE, we are happy to welcome Nadia Omer into the organisation as the new Chief Executive Officer of airasia move effective 26 October. Her key priority will be to further drive airasia move’s vision as a low-cost travel platform with high conversion, while closely collaborating with BigPay, led by Zubin Rada Krishnan. Mohamad Hafidz, who is currently the acting CEO will continue leading the business in the interim and I would like to thank him for his contributions throughout the past few months.” 

The airasia Superapp, or what will be called airasia move soon, has swiftly become a one-stop travel platform offering value and convenience through seamless end-to-end booking experiences within the past two years, while BigPay has established itself as an innovative fintech provider enabling Southeast Asians to improve their lives through better financial management.

Both of Capital A’s digital businesses have been making significant strides, with airasia Superapp (now airasia move) reaching its highest recorded MAU (monthly active users) of 15 million at the end of the second quarter, while BigPay saw its carded users grow by 16% YoY for the same period.

MOVE Digital Sdn Bhd (formerly known as airasia Digital Sdn Bhd) is the digital arm of Capital A Berhad, and encompasses two transformative businesses: airasia Superapp (now airasia move) and BigPay. MOVE is dedicated to revolutionising the travel and financial services sectors by offering innovative, user-centric solutions at the best value.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) Partners with Expedia Group to Launch All-in-One Travel Website, PAL Holidays

Tweet

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national flag carrier of the Philippines, has launched PAL Holidays powered by Expedia Group, a one-stop travel website that offers travelers a seamless and comprehensive platform for all their travel needs. The new site is now live in the US, Canada, Australia, and Philippines.

The new platform is powered by Expedia Group’s White Label Template technology and designed to help passengers effortlessly plan and book their entire journey—including PAL flights, hotels, transportation, and exciting travel activities, all in one convenient location. We are thrilled to introduce PAL Holidays, our new one-stop booking platform that simplifies and enhances the travel planning process for our passengers. By partnering with Expedia, we are confident that our customers will enjoy unparalleled access to a superior range of great offers for hotels, experiences, and transport that can go together with the Philippine Airlines flights that they book. PAL Holidays reflects our dedication to providing exceptional travel experiences, and we look forward to serving our customers in a more convenient and efficient way,:" said Bud Britanico, VP for Sales at Philippine Airlines.

The New PAL Holidays Website powered by Expedia Group. Your new one-stop booking platform for all your travel needs 

PAL Holidays marks a significant milestone in the airline's commitment to enhancing the travel experience of its valued customers. With Expedia Group  long-standing reputation as a reliable and trusted travel platform, travelers can be assured that PAL Holidays will deliver exceptional service and value:

Access to Hotel Accommodations Worldwide

PAL Holidays provides travelers with access to over 900,000 properties across the globe, enabled by the collaboration with renowned global travel platform, Expedia Group. The vast selection of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, ensures that there is something for every traveler & preference and budget.

All-in-One Booking

PAL Holidays allows travelers to access a wide array of services in one transaction, encompassing PAL flights, hotel accommodations, transportation, and travel activities. From the comfort of their homes or while on-the-go, travelers can effortlessly tailor their perfect itinerary.

Exclusive Promo Deals

PAL Holidays will feature exciting promotional deals and exclusive offers, making travel dreams even more attainable. With great discounts and carefully curated packages, travelers can explore more destinations and create unforgettable memories with their loved ones.

“We are thrilled to team up with Philippine Airlines for PAL Holidays. We share the same vision of transforming and easing the way travelers plan and book their journeys. With our combined expertise and service, we are excited to offer a seamless travel platform that will be of great help to travelers,” said Greg Schulze, Senior Vice President, Strategic Travel Partners at Expedia Group.

Travelers can experience the ease and convenience of PAL Holidays by visiting the website. Discover a new era of travel, where booking PAL flights, hotels, activities, and transportation needs is as simple as a few clicks!

Emirates Skywards makes a splash this summer with thousands of Skywards Miles on offer

Tweet

· Fly, stay, rent, shop this summer and earn thousands of Skywards Miles

· Enjoy discovering the world and earn more Miles wherever you go - in the air and on ground.

 

Dubai, UAE: = Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty program of Emirates and flydubai, is giving members even more reasons to explore the world this summer with exclusive bonus Miles offerings. Enjoy splurging and rack up Miles this August on flights, hotel stays, car rentals, lifestyle partners and much more.

Earn up to 15,000 Miles on hotel stays*

 

• Emirates Skywards Hotels: Earn up to 15,000 Miles per night with more than 400,000 hotels, in more than 900 destinations worldwide.
• Atlantis The Palm, Dubai: Earn up to 10,000 bonus Miles for a three-night stay.
• IHG Hotels & Resorts: Earn 1,000 bonus Miles per stay at any of the Intercontinental Hotels worldwide.
• Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts: Earn double Miles per stay at any of the Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts worldwide.

 

Earn up to 6,000 bonus Miles on car rentals*

 

• Avis: Earn 6,000 bonus Miles per rental worldwide.
• Hertz: Earn up to triple Miles on car rentals worldwide.
• SIXT: Earn up to 3,000 bonus Miles per rental worldwide.

 

Earn thousands of Miles on shopping*

 

• The Bicester Collection: Earn thousands of Miles this summer at the popular luxury shopping destinations within The Bicester Collection. Members can earn double Miles on all spends and triple Miles based on achieving the minimum spend criteria.
• utu: Get a chance to win a whopping 100,000 bonus Skywards as well as earn up to 1,750 bonus Miles with utu Tax-Free. Continue to earn Skywards Miles on Tax refunds in 50 countries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East with utu Tax-Free app.

 

Click here to learn more about Emirates Skywards’ summer specials.

 

Emirates Skywards has more than 29 million members worldwide. The loyalty program offers four tiers of membership: Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum, with each tier earning exclusive privileges. Members can earn Skywards Miles with partners ranging from airlines, hotels and car rentals to financial, leisure and lifestyle brands. Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an extensive range of rewards, including flight tickets on partner airlines, flight upgrades, hotel stays, tickets, hospitality at sporting and cultural events, tours and money-can’t-buy experiences.

 

For more information, visit www.emirates.com/skywards.

 

*Terms and conditions apply

 

*Offer is valid during the specified booking period

Cebu Pacific adds flights to Singapore from Manila and Cebu - Intends to fly 2x daily from Manila and 3x weekly from Cebu in July

Tweet

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific, continues to boost its international network as it ramps up flights to Singapore from two of its largest hubs, Manila and Cebu.

CEB doubles its daily frequency between Manila and Singapore on July 1 as it adds a morning schedule option for everyJuan. Flight 5J 813 is scheduled to depart Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 5:35AM, and is set to arrive at Changi Airport at 9:20AM. Its return flight, 5J 814, is scheduled to leave Singapore at 10:15AM, and arrive in Manila at 2:00PM.

On July 15, CEB intends to restart its flights between Cebu and Singapore, beginning with a thrice weekly frequency (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Flight 5J 547 is scheduled to depart Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 at 11:05PM, and is set to arrive at Changi Airport by 3:00AM the following day. Its return flight, 5J 548, with flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, is scheduled to leave Singapore at 4:00AM, and arrive in Manila at 8:05AM.

“We are delighted to continue ramping-up our international flight frequencies, not only in Manila, but also in Cebu. We know majority of the travelling public have been looking forward to travel internationally again, especially since a lot of countries have eased their restrictions. We continue to work towards the expansion of our international network while we maintain operating over 100% of our pre-pandemic domestic capacity,” said Xander Lao, CEB Chief Commercial Officer.

Fully vaccinated travelers flying to Singapore are no longer required to submit a pre-departure COVID 19 test. They must instead present their proof of full vaccination (VaxCertPH or BOQ Yellow Card), and fill out a Singapore Arrival card three (3) days before arrival. For more information, passengers may refer to CEB Travel reminders page for the latest updates and complete travel guidelines to their destination.

CEB continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its flight network. It continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, while it operates with a 100% fully vaccinated crew, 95% of whom have been boosted – all to ensure every Juan flies safely and conveniently on Cebu Pacific.

Adapting to the new normal: Fintech is bedrock of digital services as PH fights pandemic

Tweet

The pandemic has changed the way Filipinos deal with everyday life. Today, services are now delivered through digital platforms, and adjusting to this new reality may come in with some form of learning curves.

Now, Filipinos are advised to leverage digital technologies and smartphone apps in conducting day-to-day activities to reduce their risks of contracting COVID-19 outside their homes. For most, working from home has become the new normal, and social interaction is now being done through social networking sites and messaging apps.

Some Filipinos also have turned to online marketplaces for their groceries, medicines, and other supplies, and some have also maximized the use of food delivery apps and ordering services to minimize their time outside of their homes.

Suddenly, many parts of the Philippines have become powered by the digital realm, and payments are now being coursed through digital finance. Today, more and more Filipinos are embracing digital finance, seeing the value that it brings versus conventional cash.

GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, alone saw app installations grow by 2x during the community quarantine, while registrations rose by 2.5x, and app referrals increased by another 2x.

“In a world where digital is the new normal, financial technology should be considered the bedrock of digital services. Through digital finance, people have the power to pay for goods and services without the need for physical cash. Aside from the convenience, it is also less risky than cash handling, more efficient than physical payments, and is also very transparent,” GCash Chief Technology and Operations Officer Pebbles Sy said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has been promoting the use of digital payments for almost a decade now, adopting several key policies and programs like the National Retail Payments System, and the creation of automated clearing houses for more seamless transactions.

This huge push for digital finance has given birth to a new working target of migrating cash transactions to non-cash. Now, the government aims to increase the share of cashless transactions to 30 percent of the total transaction from the original target of 20 percent.

GCash has been supportive of this shared goal, and has made it easier for Filipinos to adapt into the new normal. Aside from the easier know-your-customer (KYC) process, GCash also offers Filipinos a convenient and very affordable way to transact with merchants both online and offline. Likewise, GCash users may use their digital wallets to pay for bills and government dues, as well as transfer money to almost anyone with a bank or non-bank account.

"We want our customers to be able to use GCash to its full potential. The app has multiple features that would help ease the burden of the average Filipino, from paying their utilities to sending money to their relatives in the provinces. Contactless payments are preferred by many merchants, especially during this time where long lines crowd banks and other shops," Sy said.

With GCash, a simple tap and click would suffice in accomplishing everyday tasks, making financial services more accessible to anyone with a smartphone. Through contactless payments, Filipinos are able to reduce exposure, preventing the spread of the virus from the exchange of money and the use of cards.

Partnering with over 70,000 merchants nationwide, going cashless is an option GCash easily offers, with over 20 million users availing of services like QR code payments, bills payments, and even credit services.

"During this difficult period, GCash stays true to its mission of staying connected. Our services are important, now more than ever, as the Filipino looks for ways to minimize exposure to the virus," Sy said.

Another service GCash has put in place during this crisis is the ability to help, offering a quick and easy way to donate to frontline workers and other marginalized sectors.

"We've also made it easier for the Filipino to help those who are most affected by this global health crisis. Truly, this day and age is now powered by the digital arena, and we all have to learn and adapt to it, as long as this new normal persists,” Sy said. 

Singapore Airlines Showcases Next-Generation Cabins, Offers Exceptional Value Fares

Tweet

Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) Next Generation Cabins at the Singapore Airlines Showcase held today February 21 at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center. For the first time, Filipino travellers experienced first-hand the comfort and innovative design of SIA's next generation comfortable seats.

Ranjan Jha, Singapore Airlines’ General Manager for the Philippines

 Here's really a treat for Filipinos. The Singapore Airlines Showcase treads on the heels of an ongoing promotion which began last February 1. Under the Singapore Airlines Exceptional Value All-in Fares promotion, the airline is offering roundtrip economy class tickets to various destinations within its wide network, including fares that start from only USD 150 to Singapore and USD 888 to 12 cities in Europe among others.            

 “The Exceptional Value promotion is our way of thanking travellers from the Philippines for their support as well as a means to encourage more and more Filipinos to travel by air. By giving them greater access to premium air travel, we want Filipinos to realize that, with Singapore Airlines, the journey would be as wonderful as the destination,” added Ranjan Jha, Singapore Airlines’ General Manager for the Philippines. 

Mr. Philip Goh, Singapore Airlines’ Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia

“We’ve always been committed to make air travel more comfortable and hassle-free, which is why we have been investing heavily in our aircraft, products and services. We’ve brought in the next generation seats for everyone to try before they fly. These new cabins are the result of more than two years’ worth of efforts and we are proud of the feedback that we are getting so far,” said Mr. Philip Goh, Singapore Airlines’ Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia.

“Singapore Airlines has been flying in the Philippines for 48 years now. Not so long ago, we started our Manila operations with three flights a week, and today, we are flying four times daily. This growth is a testament of the support that we have received from Filipino travellers and we are very thankful for this,” said Goh.

Sherina Cham, Singapore Tourism Board 

In partnership with BPI Express Credit, Ayala Malls, Globe Telecom, British Council and Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines unveiled its new First, Business and Economy class cabin products at the exciting and unique showcase, which is open from February 21 to 23, 2014.

Setting the new industry standard for premium air travel, Singapore Airlines has made significant innovations in its cabin designs in collaboration with world renowned design companies.

The New First Class has been designed together with BMW Group DesignWorks, and the new seats and beddings have been restyled with exquisite details that transform into a more exclusive experience.

The New First Class boasts of a personal 24-inch LCD screens, longer and wider seats, padded headboards and an additional mattress layer. Lights on each side of the seat have three different intensities of lighting to suit different passengers’ needs at varying positions in both seat and bed modes.

The New Business Class seats are designed together with James Park Associates, which now sport a more contemporary design with a curvaceous shell, metallic colors, and luxurious soft furnishings. 

The New Business Class seats are still the widest in the sky, featuring greater recline with new seating positions and an all-in-one business panel. 

Similar to the New First Class, the New Business Class also has varying lighting options to suit every passenger’s mood.

The New Economy Class is more comfortable than ever with more knee and leg room, a unique and moveable headrest, plush seat cushions featuring bolstered sides for increased sitting comfort and in-seat power supply to charge and connect personal devices. 

Completing the experience is SIA’s New KrisWorld In-Flight Entertainment System which offers passengers a truly pleasurable experience on-board. With the innovative features of Panasonic Avionics next-generation eX3 system, passengers across all seat classes can now enjoy their favorite movies, TV shows and games on a larger and high-definition LCD and touch-screen handsets. KrisWorld LCD screens increased from 23 to 24 inches in First Class, 15.4 to 18 inches in Business Class and 10.6 to 11.1 inches in Economy Class.

These exceptional, all-in value fare offers are available until February 28, and travel period is from now until October 31, 2014.

For more details on the Singapore Airlines Showcase and all-in value fare offers, visit www.singaporeair.com.

P1 fare now! Juan's again with feelings!

Tweet

Grab the promo fares now! P1 fare today and tomorrow! The travel period will be on June 1 to December 15, 2014. Hurry up and book now at www.cebupacificair.com. 

Cebu Pacific Air – Why everyone flies

www.cebupacificair.com

Skyscanner reveals the Best Time to Book for Filipinos

Tweet

Traveling takes a big chunk of the typical Filipino vacation. Families and barkadas make it a point to go out-of-town or out of the country on holidays. With all these free days pre-marked on their calendars, it is important that they strategize so that they can book their flights at the lowest possible prices.

Skyscanner, a leading global travel search site, did a study on the millions of flights purchased by their customers over the past three years to arrive with the best time to book. The study shows that on average, 3-4 weeks in advance is the optimal time to book flights. This suggestion, however, depends on the type of flight you book or the airlines you book with. When traveling with a budget airline, prices are likely to go up as the day of the flight approaches. If traveling on long haul flights or for more than 5 hours, prices are likely to fluctuate as the flight day grows near, and this does not guarantee the best seats.

In the Philippines, we have always loved the idea of discounts and because of this, booking early has always been a trend. Below are the top outbound destinations in the Philippines alongside the number of weeks you need to book in advance for maximum saving:

·       China. If you book 28 weeks in advance, you can save as much as PHP 7 000 per flight which means more money for shopping and buying souvenirs.

·       Malaysia. Because Malaysia is relatively near, it can be a go-to destination for last minute getaways and short vacations, but booking close to your departure date can be quite expensive. Consider booking 31 weeks in advance so you will only have to pay 46% of the actual flight cost.

·       Japan. Book a flight to the land of cherry blossoms 14 weeks in advance and you can save as much as PHP 6300. Like with Thailand, booking four tickets will make way for another friend or relative to tag along in your trip.

·       Thailand. Save as much as PHP 2990 if you book 16 weeks ahead. The discount you will get from booking four tickets is enough to get you another flight for free!

·       Singapore. This country is the most visited by Filipinos in 2013 according to a recent study by Skyscanner. The best time to book flights going to Singapore is 25 weeks in advance. By booking this early, you can save as much as PHP 1600. This is almost 24% less than the average flight cost.

According to the Best Time to Book study, on average, it is best to book 20 weeks in advance regardless of where you want to go. The study also suggests that the cheapest month to travel is in February and it is most expensive in April. This is for the reason that less people travel on February because they are making way for their summer travels which usually happens in April.

Booking flights during these suggested time frames enables you access to loads of discounts and the best seats possible. If you book early, you can save almost 18% less than what you will have to pay for the average ticket price. Moreover, you can skip the stress of looking for available flights at the last minute which are most likely to be overpriced. Booking your flights early will not just give you these perks but it will also help you focus on the other aspects of your vacation such as relaxation and educating yourself, which is ultimately the point of traveling.

Some simple rules to bear in mind to get the best price:

1.     Book smart: Avoiding peak season travel and flying at less popular hours of the day, can really help to lower costs.

2.     Be flexible:  Costs to different destinations can vary significantly depending on the airlines operating that route and the Thai airports offering these flights. If you are planning your next trip but are open to destinations, running a search to ‘everywhere’ can help find the countries that offer the best value flights at any time.

3.     Compare and contrast: Using a travel comparison site like Skyscanner allows you to compare the widest range of airlines and online travel agents, so you’ll be able to see where you can get the best deal.

4.     Track prices Skyscanner’s analysis has found that keeping an eye on the flight prices a few months in advance of travel, is the best way to find a good value flight. Using a flight tracker price alert service, either by email or via the app can help monitor when prices drop on a chosen route.

Skyscanner offers price alerts on all routes to enable flights to be monitored by email. The Skyscanner app offers widgets for Android, Live Tiles for Windows Phone and “watch” functionality for iOS, all of which allow customers to track the latest price changes on a chosen route.

About Skyscanner

·  Skyscanner is a leading global travel search site providing instant online comparisons for millions of flights plus hotels and car hire.

·  Founded in 2003 by three IT professionals, Gareth Williams, Barry Smith and Bonamy Grimes, Skyscanner is the no.1 travel search website in Europe and no.3 worldwide, receiving over 50 million visits per month.

·  Skyscanner’s travel search site is available in 40 countries and in 30 languages.

·  Skyscanner’s highly-rated free mobile apps are available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Windows 8 devices and have been downloaded over 20 million time. Download the app at http://www.skyscanner.com.ph/mobile.html

·  The company employs over 200 staff and has its global headquarters in Edinburgh, with a second Scottish office in Glasgow. Skyscanner also has offices in Singapore and Beijing and plans to open a Miami office in 2013.

·  Follow Skyscanner on Twitter @SkyscannerPH

·  Like Skyscanner on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/SkyscannerPhilippines

·  Visit Skyscanner website at www.skyscanner.com.ph