Aviation Updates by DailyStraits

British Airways Serves Birchall

British Airways has announced a new partnership with award-winning British tea producer Birchall, offering a curated range of teas to customers across all cabins starting 1 May 2025. The new selections, including the UK’s most-awarded Great Rift English Breakfast, will be available on long-haul and short-haul flights, as well as in British Airways lounges globally. Customers in First, Club World, World Traveller Plus, and World Traveller cabins will enjoy a variety of blends, while Club Europe travellers can sip Birchall teas from June. Passengers in Euro Traveller will be able to purchase the teas from July via the High Life Café. The partnership is part of British Airways’ £7 billion transformation plan to enhance customer experience and showcase British originality.

Qatar, PAL Launch Partnership

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines have announced a new strategic partnership to enhance connectivity between Doha and Manila.
From 16 June 2025, Philippine Airlines will operate daily nonstop flights from Manila to Doha, with Qatar Airways codesharing on these services.
The daily flight will depart Manila at 18:50 and arrive in Doha at 23:40, providing seamless connections to over 170 Qatar Airways destinations worldwide. In the opposite direction, flights will depart Doha at 01:30, arriving in Manila at 16:15. The service will be operated using Philippine Airlines’ Airbus A330-300 aircraft, featuring Business and Economy Class cabins. The airlines are also exploring deeper collaboration on network expansion and frequent flyer programs.

Traveloka Launches EPIC Sale

Traveloka has launched its first APAC-wide EPIC Sale, bringing up to 50 per cent off accommodation deals to Australian travellers from April 22 to May 5, 2025.
The sale offers discounted stays across Southeast Asia and beyond, catering to Australians planning winter getaways.
Traveloka’s latest survey revealed strong interest in both local travel and Southeast Asian city escapes, with Bali, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City among the top destinations.
The campaign supports Traveloka’s strategy to deliver greater value to customers while helping partners drive bookings and business growth across the region.

Cargo Giants Plan Partnership

Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo have announced plans to launch a Global Cargo Joint Business, subject to regulatory approval. The strategic collaboration aims to combine the carriers’ expertise and infrastructure to offer streamlined products, enhanced connectivity, faster transit times, and improved routing options. The partnership also focuses on developing harmonized safety and security standards, aiming to build a more agile and connected cargo network that meets the evolving demands of global trade. The agreement is expected to be implemented following regulatory clearance.

Korean Air, Delta Cleanup

Korean Air and Delta Air Lines teamed up for the second year running to clean up Santa Monica Beach on April 24.
In collaboration with nonprofit Heal the Bay, 45 employees from both airlines joined a “Suits on the Sand” competition, removing hundreds of pounds of litter and cigarette butts.
The initiative is part of the Korean Air-Delta Joint Venture’s environmental and social efforts, which also include tree planting in Mongolia and riverside cleanups in Seoul.
Participants received a briefing on marine pollution before the event, which strengthened teamwork and community ties.