Free wireless inflight entertainment for SilkAir passengers

Free wireless inflight entertainment for SilkAir passengers

The growing competition in the skies has prompted airlines to raise their service offerings to attract passengers.

In a latest move, SilkAir has started a wireless inflight entertainment system trial on one of its Airbus A-320 aircraft.

The system allows passengers to stream movies, TV programmes and music directly onto their personal devices while on a flight.

They can then access the content through their laptops, tablets and smartphones.

And this service will be free to customers.

SilkAir, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has partnered Panasonic Avionics Corporation for the trial.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Changi's Terminal 4 opening in 2017

Changi's Terminal 4 opening in 2017



A centralised double-volume Arrival Hall gives passengers a sense of space in natural light, providing a warm welcome. (PHOTO: CHANGI AIRPORT GROUP)

Changi Airport's Terminal 4 (T4) will come with two new roads, two carparks, a bigger taxi-holding area and a new control tower. The total cost: $985 million.

The job will be undertaken by Japanese firm Takenaka Corporation, which has worked on previous Changi projects as well as other airports in Asia and Africa.

When T4 opens in 2017, its gross floor area of 195,000 sq m will cater for up to 16 million passengers a year, Changi Airport Group said yesterday.

The two carparks - a multi-storey and an open-air space in front of the terminal - will provide 1,500 spaces.

Taxis will wait for arriving passengers at a multi-storey holding area big enough for 250 cabs.

To improve access to T4, a new slip road will be built to provide a direct link to the East Coast Parkway. It will be located after the existing slip road that leads to the Pan-Island Expressway.

The new terminal will provide aircraft stands with aerobridges for 17 small planes and four wide-bodied aircraft.

If greater capacity is required, passengers will be ferried by bus along a new bridge to where more planes are parked.

When T4 opens, it will provide a different travel experience, offering greater automation and more do-it-yourself options for check-in and boarding, as well as other processes.

The construction of the new terminal is among several expansion and improvement works being undertaken by Changi as part of its efforts to raise its ability to compete effectively with other airports for airlines and travellers.

The other key project is Jewel, a $1.47-billion mixed-use building that will open in 2018.

T4 will cater mainly for full-service regional carriers as well as budget airlines.

~News courtesy of Omy~

Merry Christmas

Tigerair spreads its wings in Asia

Tigerair spreads its wings in Asia

Budget carrier Tigerair yesterday announced three new agreements with other airlines in a move to expand its network in key Asian markets, such as India.

The low-cost carrier will partner China Airlines to establish a new Taiwan-based budget carrier named Tigerair Taiwan.

It has also signed a three-year deal with Indian budget carrier SpiceJet, which will allow passengers to travel to and from 14 Indian cities to Singapore via Hyderabad from next month. The interline arrangement will allow passengers connecting to flights on either of the airlines to transfer without having to check in their luggage again.

Tigerair plans to better align its flights with budget carrier Scoot to offer local travellers more flexibility and flight options.

Tigerair will own a 10 per cent stake in Tigerair Taiwan, which will have a paid-up capital of about NT$2 billion (S$85 million). The joint venture will operate under the Tigerair brand and use Tigerair's website as its main sales platform. It will be run by a separate board and management team.

Tigerair Group chief executive Koay Peng Yen said the new budget airline is expected to start flying next year and will target China, Korea, Japan and South-east Asia. He added that the airline will start using Tigerair's Airbus A320 jets and grow its fleet to 12 aircraft in two to three years.

Analyst Brendan Sobie from the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation said the new airline gives Tigerair another outlet for expansion from Taiwan, which is under-used by low-cost carriers. He noted that while the low stake means low risk, "if there are future disagreements, having 10 per cent doesn't give much say at the board level".

Tigerair and Scoot will submit an application to the Competition Commission of Singapore for anti-trust immunity after agreeing to expand on their alliance. If approved, the airlines could jointly operate and sell parallel routes, as well as align policies and pricing.

Separately, Scoot - the fully-owned budget offshoot of Singapore Airlines - announced that it would form a new low-cost airline with Thai carrier Nok Air. The new airline will be named NokScoot and be based at Don Muang International Airport in Bangkok.

It will operate wide-body aircraft on medium- and long-haul international routes and have an initial investment of 2 billion baht (S$78 million). Details about its fleet, products and route network will be announced later.

~News courtesy of Omy~

Jetstar allows carrying of small musical instruments onboard

Jetstar customers now allowed to carry small musical instruments onboard



Jetstar passengers will now be allowed to carry musical instruments as carry-on items. Under the new policy, musicians will be allowed to store instruments which weigh less than 10kg and are smaller than 85cm in height, 36cm in width and 23cm in depth, in the cabin compartments instead of in the cargo-hold. This includes instruments such as trumpets, violins and clarinets.

For musical instruments larger than the prescribed dimensions, customers will need to buy an extra seat to carry their instrument in the cabin or check it in.

The change was implemented after a review was conducted on the airline's customer experience. "Having listened to our customers, we understand how important it is for musicians to be able to carry their instruments in the cabin and we've altered our policy," said Ms Cath Stone, Jetstar's head of customer strategy.

Earlier this month, Jetstar also announced that customers would no longer need to purchase a bike pack for foldable bicycles before check-in. It now accepts foldable bikes in commercially available cases. The size limit for all other cabin bags remains 56cm in height, 36cm in width and 23cm in depth.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Singapore Airlines increases baggage allowance by 10kg

Singapore Airlines increases baggage allowance by 10kg



From 15 Novemeber 2013, Singapore Airlines customers will enjoy more free checked-in baggage allowance on all SIA and SilkAir flights.

Checked-in baggage allowances will increase by 10kg for all classes of travel.

Customers will be entitled to free baggage allowances of 50kg in Suites and First Class, 40kg in Business Class and 30kg in Economy class.

“Increasing baggage allowances across all classes of travel is in response to feedback from our customers and reaffirms our commitment to constantly enhancing customer service,” said SIA Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mr Chin Yau Seng.

For flights to and from the United States, where a per-piece allowance applies, customers travelling in Suites, First Class and Business Class will be entitled to check in two pieces of luggage of up to 32kg each, up from 23kg previously.

PPS Club members, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members will continue to enjoy respective additional allowance entitled.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Senai airport needs better bus service

Senai airport needs better bus service

TRAVELLERS arriving at the Senai International Airport, who rely on public transport to go to other places in Johor, need to plan ahead.

At the airport, the cheapest mode of transport is the stage bus which drops passengers off at bus stops along the route it is plying.

The bus fare compared to the airport taxi fare could be 10 times cheaper.

For example, it costs less than RM3.50 to take a bus from the airport to Bandar Baru Uda but an airport cab would charge about RM40.

At present, Handal Indah Sdn Bhd, which owns Causeway Link buses, operates a bus service from the airport.

Its stage bus passes Senai town, Jalan Skudai and Jalan Tun Abdul Razak before reaching Larkin Sentral.

It also has a direct bus (express bus) service to the JB Sentral Terminal via the Eastern Dispersal Link.

The stage bus service from the airport to Larkin Sentral runs from 9.30am to 7pm at every two-hour interval.

It does not have a fixed schedule but the departure time depends on plane arrival time.

The direct bus service starts from 6.10am to 11.15pm daily with an hour interval between every bus.

Ticket is RM8 for a one-way journey but it is free for AirAsia passengers who book the bus e-ticket. It has a fixed schedule though.

It makes 18 trips daily, taking an average of 45 minutes to reach JB Sentral.

The direct bus service is an option if travellers miss the stage bus service.

At the JB Sentral, travellers who wish to board a local stage bus will have to walk to Jalan Wong Ah Fook which is about 10 minutes away.

It is not convenient for those carrying a lot of baggage.

Suhaimi Saleh, 37, said the airport bus service can be improved to cater to the increasing number of passengers coming to Johor Baru.

Another passenger, Kathrin Schmelter, 21, said ideally there should be a stage bus or direct bus every 30 minutes so that they can better plan their journey.

Based on my experience, passengers have several things to do at the airport such as waiting for the luggage, shopping or eating.

It would be good to have more stage buses, mini buses or vans travelling to the city.

More transport operators are needed as the airport gets busier and demand for airport bus service increases.

My other suggestion is for the stage buses to have a fixed departure schedule.

There is also a need to improve the waiting area for passengers.

Currently, benches are placed at the entrance of the airport where the booths for bus tickets and airport taxi vouchers are located.

However, the bus will not stop near the entrance but near the end of the airport which is about three minutes' walk from the entrance.

Those new to the airport may get confused with this arrangement.

The benches at the end of the airport could only sit four persons at most.

It is not conducive for senior citizens or mothers with babies who may be forced to stand while waiting for their bus.



There is a big demand for bus service at the Senai International Airport. Pix by Dazar Suarman

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

India moves to ease visa restrictions

India moves to ease visa restrictions to attract tourists

India is looking at issuing visas on arrival for visitors from 40 more countries, a minister has said, raising hopes it will overcome national security fears to boost its tourism industry.

A meeting of senior officials from the home, foreign and tourism ministries, as well as intelligence officers, concluded on Monday evening with a consensus in favour of the sweeping visa reform.

"There was a consensus about initiating the process to make India a tourist-friendly country and extending the on-arrival visa facility to around 40 more countries," Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla told the Press Trust of India news agency.

The new countries would include the United States and Britain -- the source of about 25 percent of all tourists last year -- as well as Canada, Brazil, Australia and most western European nations including France and Germany.

Despite its cultural attractions, beaches and mountains, India attracts relatively few foreign holidaymakers -- 6.58 million in 2012, which was about a quarter of Thailand or Malaysia, for example.

In 2009, it tightened restrictions in the wake of revelations that David Headley, a militant of American and Pakistani descent who helped plot the 2008 attacks in Mumbai, had regularly stayed in the country on long-term tourist visas.

India currently issues visas on arrival to visitors from about a dozen foreign nations including Japan, Finland, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand and the Philippines among others.

All others must apply several weeks in advance and visit a visa-processing centre in person.

The proposed relaxation of the rules, which is likely to take time to organise and would require cabinet-level approval, was hailed by The Times of India newspaper in an editorial.

"While relaxing our restrictive visa regime is a good first step, much more needs to be done to attract visitors to India," it said.

The proposed changes would also make it easier for elderly visitors and those wishing to attend conferences, the Press Trust of India reported.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

SIA's new-look cabins take to the skies

SIA's new-look cabins take to the skies

It is third airline in last three months to debut overhauled cabin products



SIA's overhauled cabins include a new inflight entertainment touchscreen monitor in economy class; more storage space in the seats in business class; and first-class seats that can be turned into longer beds than before (above). The new cabins debut on the new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft today to London, on flight SQ318. The improvements will also be included on the airline's new Airbus 350 jets, which will start joining the fleet in 2015. 

Singapore Airlines will put its latest cabin products in the air today, becoming the third airline in the last three months to do so as competition in the sector intensifies.

Passengers flying on SQ318 to London this afternoon will enjoy wider, cushier seats, and more personal and storage space in first, business and economy cabins.

The new-look cabins are also decked with the latest inflight entertainment system featuring wider LCD screens and touchscreen handsets across all classes.

Economy-class passengers can browse through more than 1,000 entertainment options by scrolling through touchscreen monitors.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Malaysia Causeway Link Fare Hike

Watch what you buy as holiday gifts

Watch what you buy as holiday gifts

Have you ever thrown away an unwanted gift from someone who just returned from a holiday, or put away the gift in a drawer for years only to discover it later?

Well, you are not alone.

A survey by global travel search site Skyscanner of 1,000 Singaporean travellers found that nearly three quarters - 74 per cent - have received unwanted gifts, with 9 per cent even confessing that they threw them straight into the bin.

Others were more empathetic: 41 per cent said they kept such gifts to "avoid hurting the other person's feelings".

Some 28 per cent said they gave the gifts away later.

Ms Ira Noviani, marketing manager of Skyscanner Singapore, said: "Although they say 'it's the thought that counts', receiving an unwanted gift can certainly be an awkward moment.

"Maybe we should play it safer with the gifts we choose and stick to something we all enjoy - like chocolate."

Topping the list of most unwanted holiday gifts are disgusting food or sweets, followed by clothing and knick-knacks or display ornaments.

While food souvenirs appear to be a no-no, people My Paper spoke to said they remain the most practical gift when they want to share a part of their travel experience with friends and family.

Financial planner Diana Foo, 41, said she would buy an assortment of food items and repack them in bags containing a little of each.

She said of her gift recipients: "This way, there is a high chance that they will find at least one snack that they like."

Fresh graduate Nicolette Michael, 23, said the key to not buying unwanted gifts is to refrain from buying souvenirs for too many people.

She said: "I always end up buying the cheapest gifts, which are often useless, because of the sheer number of people on my list."

Of the Singaporeans surveyed, 57 per cent also admitted that they have made holiday purchases which they later regretted.

One respondent cited the purchase of Chinese herbal medicine amounting to US$2,000 (S$2,550), while another cited the purchase of a pair of leather boots.

Ms Michael said she regretted her decision to buy shot glasses from every city she visited.

"I now have over 30 shot glasses and they take up so much space on my table."

TOP 10 most unwanted items:

Disgusting food/sweets
Item of clothing
Knick-knack/ornament for the house
Cuddly toy
'Comedy' T-shirt
'Comedy' hat
Local alchoholic drink
Cosmetics/perfumes
Health Products
Jewellery

~News courtesy of My Paper~

Slight haze may hit Singapore

Slight haze may hit Singapore

The number of hot spots in Sumatra, Indonesia, jumped to 225 yesterday from 86 on Saturday, said Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA). There were 21 hot spots on Friday.

The agency added that dense smoke plumes were seen from some of the hot spots in central and southern Sumatra.

With dry-weather conditions in these areas expected to continue, NEA warned that Singapore "may experience occasional slight haze over the next few days".

On Tuesday afternoon, Singapore was affected by slight haze, with the three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hitting 56 at 2pm.

A PSI reading below 50 means air quality is good, while one between 51 and 100 means it is moderate.

The number of hot spots on Tuesday was 29, although there might have been some that were undetected due to cloud cover. On Aug 16, the number of hot spots was 267.

Despite the rise in hot-spot numbers yesterday, NEA said that, based on the 24-hour PSI, air quality today until 6pm is expected to be in the good range.

~News courtesy of Omy~

Haze in Singapore due to Sumatra fires: NEA

Haze in Singapore due to Sumatra fires: NEA



Haze surrounding the Singapore Flyer and Singapore skyline at 12pm. (Photo: Richard Lim)

The skies over Singapore were slightly hazy on Tuesday.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the haziness was due to smoke from fires in southern Sumatra, brought over by the southwesterly winds overnight.

At 1pm, the 3-hour PSI hit the moderate range of 55, edging up to 56 at 2pm and 3pm before coming down to the good range.

At 7pm, the 3-hour PSI stood at 27.

The PSI reading in Singapore hit a record high of 401 on 21 June this year as a result of smog from forest fires in Indonesia.

However, the NEA website indicated the number of hotspots in Sumatra decreased from 82 on Monday to 29 on Tuesday.

"However, due to extensive cloud cover in the central and northern regions of Sumatra, we cannot be certain of the exact situation. Nevertheless, recent showers over central and southern Sumatra would have helped to further subdue the hotspot activities there," said NEA.

It added that over the next few days, Singapore may experience slightly hazy conditions in the morning due to the accumulation of particulate matter under light wind conditions.

"The 24-hour PSI for the next 24 hours is expected to be in the higher end of the 'good' band (that is ≤50). The 24-hour PM2.5 is expected to be slightly elevated," said NEA. "All persons can continue with normal activities."

Thundery showers are forecast over Singapore in the late morning and early afternoon on Wednesday, it added.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

新加坡未来几天 轻微烟霾将卷土重来

未来几天　轻微烟霾将卷土重来



本地昨天出现轻微烟霾，到了中午，3小时的空气污染指数上升至50点。不过，滨海湾一带，还是有上班族在户外进餐，乘机“透透气”。（摄影：联合早报/叶振忠）

本地昨天上午又出现轻微烟霾，国家环境局预测未来几天，上午也将有轻微烟霾。

环境局昨天在发布的24小时空气污染指数（PSI）预测文告中指出，未来几天将吹南至东南或南至西南的低空风，上午时段会因为轻风情况而累积细悬浮微粒，因此将出现轻微烟霾。不过，今天上午较晚时段和下午较早时段预计都会有雷阵雨。

今天的24小时空气污染指数预计会接近良好水平（指数少于50点）的边缘，24小时细微悬浮颗粒PM2.5指数预计将稍微上升。

昨天上午，有不少居住在全岛各地的国人发现有烟霾，甚至有烧焦味。根据环境局网站，3小时的空气污染指数从昨天上午持续上升，下午2时冲破50点，达到当天最高的56点，下午3时之后指数开始下跌。晚上8时，3小时的空气污染指数跌至28点，24小时的指数是30至38点，24小时PM2.5平均浓度则介于每立方米20微克至25微克。

环境局指出，本地出现烟霾的原因是前晚西南风把印度尼西亚苏门答腊南部火点的烟尘吹向本地。

《联合早报》

Selamat Hari Raya

Plan journey for coming holiday weekend

Travellers advised to plan journey for coming holiday weekend



A general view of the causeway from Singapore to Johor Bahru. (AFP PHOTO/ROSLAN RAHMAN)

Traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy with Hari Raya Puasa and National Day coming up next week.

Travellers intending to use the land checkpoints during the peak periods are advised to adjust their travel plans if possible.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said motorists can play a part to ease congestion at the land checkpoints by maintaining lane discipline at all times.

Travellers can also call the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117, listen to TrafficWatch on the radio or visit LTA's One Motoring website to check the latest traffic conditions at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journeys.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

New Johor terminal for Singapore-Malaysia express buses

New Johor terminal for Singapore-Malaysia express buses ready by year end

The new terminal, GP Sentral, situated along Jalan Gelang Patah-Kampong Ulu Choh, on the outskirts of Gelang Patah in Johor, is slated to open by the end of the year. (Photo: Alfred Chua)

The possibility of a centralised bus terminal here for Singapore-Malaysia express bus services is looking slim, even though some progress has been made across the Causeway.

Express Bus Agencies Association (EBAA), which represents 30 companies, told TODAY that a new centralised bus terminal, which it has invested in, is near completion at Gelang Patah in Johor.

The new terminal, GP Sentral, situated along Jalan Gelang Patah-Kampong Ulu Choh, on the outskirts of Gelang Patah, is slated to open by the end of the year. There is no traction yet for such a terminal in Singapore.

Replying to a question by Nominated Member of Parliament Teo Siong Seng in Parliament last week, Parliamentary Secretary (Transport) Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said that projected demand for inter-city bus services "did not merit the provision of a centralised inter-city bus terminal".

Associate Professor Faishal said there was "little indication of growth in inter-city travel". "In fact, the number of inter-city bus licences this year has declined by 9 per cent," he noted.

"The existing approach where bus operators ride on existing infrastructure at various premises for their passenger boarding and alighting operations remains adequate to support the projected growth in demand."

He added that the Land Transport Authority will "continue to monitor the demand for inter-city bus services and, if necessary, review the need for a centralised bus terminal".

To the EBAA's Terminal Services Sub-Committee Chairman Sebastian Yap, it was disappointing that the authorities have not yet given the green light for such a project. His association had "waited quite a while for an official reply" on the issue, he said.

In 2004, the Urban Redevelopment Authority rejected a proposal to convert Turf City into a bus terminal. The Government then offered a plot of land near Turf Club in Kranji, but both sides were unable to agree on key points, like the terminal location.

In 2007, the association identified a site at Seah Im Road, off Telok Blangah Road, while shortlisting other possible locations at Victoria Street, Outram Park and Jurong East. The plans, however, failed to get off the ground. This led the EBAA to decide, in 2010, to invest in a new bus terminal in Johor.

The main terminal, which will have 15 bus bays, and a neighbouring petrol kiosk have been built. Nearby facilities will include eateries and retail shops, while the terminal will have a food court, money changers and a centralised ticketing counter, said the EBAA.

Mr Yap, who is also Executive Director at Transtar Travel, declined to comment on the costs involved.

The EBAA had envisioned the terminal to "be the first and the last stop for Singapore-Malaysia bus services".

In addition, the terminal will "cater to the Johor-Singapore market", taking passengers from the Malaysian state to various points in Singapore, a route now served by buses plying the Causeway, not the Second Link.

Mr Yap said this can help promote people taking day-trips into Singapore.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Bridging Bangkok and Nay Pyi Taw

Bridging Bangkok and Nay Pyi Taw



It will soon be possible to travel directly from Bangkok and Nay Pyi Taw with AirAsia introducing a daily flight between the two capitals from October 28.

The new scheduled flight was confirmed by Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia, during the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2013 in Myanmar. The new service, which the airline claims will make ASEAN more accessible, is in answer to the high demand for Myanmar travel. The flight schedule will be released at a later date. Visit www.airasia.com.

~News courtesy of The Nation~

Visit Malaysia 2014

Air quality for Thursday expected to be good

Air quality for Thursday expected to be good

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the 24-hour PSI for the next 24 hours is expected to be in the “good” range.

The 24-hr PM2.5 is expected to be slightly elevated.

NEA said all persons can continue with normal activities.

At 4pm on Wednesday, the 24-hour PSI reading was 27-35 and the 24-hour PM2.5 was 19-24. Both readings were in the “good” range. 

For the next few days, low-level winds are expected to be southwesterly or southerly.

Thundery showers are forecast for Thursday morning.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

虎航推出更多便利服务

虎航推出更多便利服务



虎航为商标改头换面，其中一架飞机已换装，改用以字体设计的“tigerair”名称。（摄影／陈福洲）

虎航为商标改头换面，该航空不再以跳跃的老虎为标志，改用简单的字体设计，多了几分现代感。它以灰色和橙色书写新英文名称“Tigerair”，取代之前的名称“Tiger Airways”。此外，虎航也计划推出更多便利服务，力求以新姿态提高服务水平。

接下来，公司计划让乘客通过手机和网络办理登机手续，为无需托运行李的乘客节省排队的时间。此外，乘客也能通过虎航的应用程序，查询航班详情、订票和挑选座位等。公司也将探讨和更多伙伴航空公司合作，让虎航的乘客在不必提取行李的情况下，直接乘搭其他伙伴的连接航班。

～以上新闻转载自OMY～

Goodbye leaping tiger, hello Tigerair

Goodbye leaping tiger, hello Tigerair

Singapore firms have been using their corporate logos as a tool to help reflect a new corporate image or a change in business direction.

The latest to jump on the bandwagon is Tiger Airways. Its leaping tiger, an icon of the budget carrier, will be history as the company rebrands itself and changes its name to Tigerair.

Along with the name change unveiled yesterday, the company will sport what it calls a "fresh and upbeat look" that "embodies its brand personality of (being) warm, passionate and genuine". The new logo has grey rounded-font typography, with orange accents.

Tigerair chief executive Koay Peng Yen said the new identity is timely, given the changes and new initiatives under way at the airline in the past six months.

These include providing travellers transiting in Singapore with a seamless transfer to other destinations in Tigerair's network, Mr Koay added.

Some brands here have also changed their logos in recent years. Super Group, famous for its instant-mix coffee, did a rebranding in January to embody the company's "positive outlook and attitude", said a spokesman.

Eng Wah Cinemas changed its name to WE Cinemas - with a logo change, too - as part of the Eng Wah Organisation's overall group rebranding in 2010 to Eng Wah Global. This was to consolidate its resources and reach out to a wider audience.

Marketing experts told My Paper that when a firm rebrands, it is sometimes a sign that its current strategy is not working.

It might also be that the firm wants to signal a change in its direction and how it wants to be perceived by customers.

Dr Seshan Ramaswami, an associate professor of marketing education at Singapore Management University, said the old Tigerair logo of an aggressive leaping tiger was "a little brash" and "in-your-face".

"(The new logo) signals a change from an aggressive emphasis on price alone to slowly developing other competitive advantages," Dr Ramaswami said.

He said that in Tigerair's "repositioning", the airline is considering other factors, such as its partnership with Virgin and the offer of better customer service. Tigerair recently sold a 60 per cent stake in its Australian subsidiary to Virgin Australia.

Mr Samir Dixit, managing director for the Asia-Pacific at Brand Finance, said that when an airline goes through a rebranding of this scale, the costs can run up to several millions.

On Tigerair's new logo, he said: "This looks to be an attempt to erase the past and start afresh."

Associate Professor Sharon Ng, from Nanyang Business School's division of marketing and international business, said companies also rebrand to appeal to the tastes of today's consumers, who are after a more "minimalistic" look and feel.

Beyond the cosmetic changes in Tigerair's new logo, Mr Dixit said it is "wait-and-watch" now to see what "fundamental shifts" the company has made to shape customers' experiences.

~News courtesy of Omy~

Tourism in Singapore suffers haze blow

Tourism in Singapore suffers haze blow



The tourism sector has taken a hit from the haze, with the Singapore Flyer and DUCKtours announcing they would suspend operations until conditions improve, after the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reached a record high of 371 at 1pm on Thursday.

Other outdoor attractions saw slight dips in visitor numbers, while tour operators leading inbound groups to Singapore have had to adjust itineraries to carry out more activities indoors, although they have yet to receive cancellations.

Livelihoods of small-time vendors, such as trishaw drivers plying the streets, are also suffering a blow from the poor air quality.

The Singapore Flyer, which was placed into receivership last month, said it was closing to protect its employees, many of whom work outdoors.

"We will reassess the situation (this) morning and the Flyer will reopen as soon as pollution levels drop to a safe level," said Mr Tim Reid of Ferrier Hodgson, the Flyer's appointed receivers and managers.

Tenants at the Singapore Flyer TODAY spoke to said there has been a dip in their business since the start of this week.

A tenant who declined to be named said there has been an 80 per cent decrease in his business since Tuesday, adding that he would close his shop about two hours earlier.

Another tenant said his restaurant, which would usually be "half-filled" with customers at dinner time, was empty on Thursday.

"(We) may look into shortening (our) business (operating hours) if the Flyer is still not opened," he added.

DUCKtours - run by DUCK & HiPPO - were also cancelled in the afternoon on Thursday after the PSI exceeded 300.

"We called guests who made reservations and informed them of the cancellation due to hazardous weather. For pre-paid guests who are leaving Singapore and not able to reschedule, we arranged for a refund," said DUCK & HiPPO Deputy Director Pamela Wee.

She said they will monitor the haze and will cancel DUCKtours if it "reaches the point where it makes the touring un-enjoyable or uncomfortable".

Singapore River Cruise General Manager See Toh Yew Leong said that, although business was "a bit affected", operations are carrying on as usual. However, on Wednesday, it ended operations an hour earlier after the PSI hit 321.

Resorts World Sentosa reported "fewer visitors" to the Adventure Cove Waterpark.

A spokesperson said it has "tweaked the format" of its outdoor shows and entertainment at Universal Studios Singapore and will "exercise flexibility in deploying team members for outdoor duties". 

Wildlife Reserves Singapore did not comment on Thursday but said in a statement the day before that it had seen a slight dip in visitor numbers to its four attractions - before the PSI soared over 300 - and it was keeping a close watch on its animals.

Inbound tourists appeared to be unfazed by the haze, with most tour agencies contacted by TODAY saying they have not received cancellations.

But CTC Travel's Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Alicia Seah said she expected cancellations if the situation worsens and that bookings and enquiries will drop by about 20 per cent in the next two weeks.

For now, the agency has "change(d) the tour itineraries appropriately and with consent from customers". For example, instead of outdoor walks at Chinatown, Little India and Merlion Park, customers are brought to indoor shopping malls or museums. Guides and customers were also given masks.

Ms Michelle Yin, Marketing Communications Manager at Chan Brothers Travel, said the company is monitoring the situation. "(We) will make necessary recommendations to (customers) to switch to more indoor activities should the haze prolong till then," she said, adding that no cancellations have been made.

A trishaw driver who only wanted to be known as Henry said he had not got any business since Monday. He usually earns S$10 to S$20 per trip, making about five trips a day.

"I don't have any more money to buy food at this rate. I can only afford a bowl of tau huay (beancurd)," he said.


~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Haze set to persist for next few days

Haze set to persist for next few days: Balakrishnan

Minister of Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said the haze is set to persist over the next few days, and whether a stop-work order will be issued will depend on the severity of the haze conditions.

Dr Balakrishnan was responding to questions from reporters on whether such an order was imminent, after the PSI hit hazardous levels on Wednesday night.

He said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has guidelines in place which all employers adhere to, and the MOM will give an update on Thursday.

Dr Balakrishnan said NEA's CEO Andrew Tan will be leading a Singapore team to Jakarta to attend an emergency haze meeting convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia.

He said Singapore expects to reach further agreement on concrete steps to tackle the haze, which it hopes the Indonesians will take.

A news briefing was called late on Wednesday after the PSI hit a record high of 321 at 10pm.

The PSI had been climbing all day on Wednesday, staying within the unhealthy range.

It has since dipped to 218 at midnight, and 195 at 1am on Thursday. 

Dr Balakrishnan noted that this is the worst haze that Singapore has faced.

He said Singaporeans must not be too fixated with the PSI data.

Still, sports facilities and schools may be closed if needed.

He added that it's the mid-year school holidays now, so there's no urgent need to make that call now.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said dry weather conditions and prevailing winds blowing the haze into Singapore are expected to persist for the next few days.

Dr Balakrishnan said Singaporeans may need to make adjustments to their daily routines.

He said those with respiratory and cardiac problems and children should not exert themselves.

He noted that the only real solution is to deal with the source of the problem, which is the indiscriminate burning of land in Indonesia.

Singapore has urged Indonesia to take action to tackle the haze problem, and has also offered to help.

Dr Balakrishnan said Indonesia must stop new fires.

"We are publishing the high-resolution satellite pictures, including the coordinates of all hotspots, and NEA is going to update this on a daily basis. We are still urging the Indonesian authorities to publish the concession maps so that we can link the hotspots specifically to the individual companies," he said.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Haze hits unhealthy level in Singapore

Haze hits unhealthy level in Singapore



The haze in Singapore climbed into the unhealthy range on Monday afternoon as the three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit 111 at 4pm.

The PSI reading first crossed the 100 mark at 3pm, when it was recorded at 105.

According to the National Environment Agency (NEA) website, PSI readings of 50 and below denote "good" air quality, "moderate" for 51-100 and "unhealthy" for 101-200.

The PSI reading has been rising steadily on Monday.

At 2pm, the PSI reading was 100, up from 95 at 1pm and 80 at noon.

The last time the PSI went over 100 was on October 21, 2010, when it hit 106.

Under NEA's health advisory, those with existing heart or respiratory ailments should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity while the general population should reduce vigorous outdoor activity when the PSI reading reaches unhealthy levels.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

吸引外国投资者 马国推出五年多次往返签证

吸引外国投资者 马来西亚推出五年多次往返签证

马国移民局目前发出的多次往返签证多数只有一年，预料签证期限放宽后，将吸引更多外商和专业人士到马国投资和就业。这将特别惠及长期投资者。

马来西亚首相纳吉宣布放宽签证措施，让符合资格的外国投资者及基金经理获得可长达五年的多次往返签证，以吸引更多外来投资。

《星洲日报》报道，马国移民局目前发出的多次往返签证多数只有一年，除了共和联邦国和特定国家，一些国家如中国及印度的商人及民众到马国经商或旅游都须申请签证，且每次逗留期不能超过30天。

预料签证期限放宽后，将吸引更多外商和专业人士到马国投资和就业。这将特别惠及长期投资者。

《联合早报》

Singapore, Timor-Leste Air Services Agreement

Singapore, Timor-Leste sign bilateral Air Services Agreement

Singapore and Timor-Leste have signed an Air Services Agreement that will facilitate the continued growth of links between both countries, boosting bilateral trade and investment.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Timorese counterpart Xanana Gusmao witnessed the signing of the agreement at the Istana on Monday.

Both leaders also welcomed the increasing interest among Singapore companies to explore business opportunities in Timor-Leste, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

They discussed domestic developments in Timor-Leste as well as regional matters, including Timor-Leste's application for membership to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Mr Lee said: "Timor-Leste naturally wants to strengthen its ties with the region and desires to join ASEAN. The ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group is looking into all aspects of Timor-Leste's application. During the recent ASEAN Summit in April, the leaders agreed that the Working Group should consider Timor-Leste's participation in ASEAN activities in the context of your need for capacity building."

In 2012, bilateral trade between Singapore and Timor-Leste stood at S$665 million.

Singapore has also trained over 400 Timorese officials in areas like human resource management and economic development since Timor-Leste became independent.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~