Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has officially commenced its daily passenger service to Shenzhen, China, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s strategic expansion across East Asia. The inaugural flight, EK328, touched down at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on July 1, 2025, where it was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute and a special ceremony attended by local dignitaries, Emirates executives, and media representatives.

A New Gateway for Emirates in Mainland China

Shenzhen becomes Emirates’ fourth gateway in mainland China, joining Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The new route is operated by the airline’s newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, which features Emirates’ latest four-class configuration: eight private suites in First Class, 40 new-generation lie-flat seats in Business Class, 24 seats in Premium Economy, and 260 seats in Economy Class.

Shenzhen is the first city in mainland China to receive Emirates’ upgraded aircraft with the Premium Economy product, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering a superior travel experience for both business and leisure travelers.

Flight Schedule and Connectivity

Flight EK328 departs Dubai International Airport (DXB) daily at 10:05 am, arriving in Shenzhen (SZX) at 10:00 pm local time. The return flight, EK329, leaves Shenzhen at 11:55 pm, arriving back in Dubai at 3:40 am the next day.

These timings are designed to optimize connections to and from Emirates’ extensive global network, including key cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Boosting Trade, Tourism, and Cargo

The launch of the Dubai-Shenzhen route is expected to significantly enhance trade, tourism, and business ties between the UAE and southern China. Shenzhen, often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of China,” is a major technology, innovation, and manufacturing hub within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, home to over 86 million people and a GDP exceeding US$1.9 trillion.

Each Emirates flight to Shenzhen offers up to 16 tonnes of cargo capacity in the bellyhold, supporting the city’s thriving export-oriented industries, including electronics, e-commerce, and high-tech manufacturing. This will facilitate the movement of goods between China and over 140 destinations across Emirates’ network, reinforcing Shenzhen’s role in global supply chains.

Strategic Importance and Bilateral Relations

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, highlighted the significance of the new service: “The launch of our Shenzhen route is a testament to Emirates’ long-term commitment to China and to supporting the country’s trade and tourism ambitions. This new link will not only provide travelers with more choice and convenience but will also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the UAE and China.”

The expansion comes at a time of deepening bilateral relations between China and the UAE, with both countries seeking to enhance cooperation under initiatives such as the Belt and Road. Emirates has been serving China since 2004 and now operates 42 weekly flights to four major Chinese cities, offering travelers and businesses unprecedented connectivity.

Dubai is on the brink of making science fiction a reality as it accelerates toward launching the world’s first commercial electric air taxi network by 2026. This bold step in urban mobility is set to redefine the city’s skyline and commute, placing Dubai at the global forefront of aerial transportation innovation.

“We aim to be the first city in the world to launch a commercial air taxi service. This is not just a trial. This is a real transport mode that will be integrated into Dubai’s infrastructure,” said Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in an exclusive interview.

This visionary project follows the successful completion of full-scale test flights by US-based Joby Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In 2024, Joby signed an exclusive six-year agreement with Dubai, granting them operational rights to launch and operate these innovative air taxis within the city.

“Dubai is all set to become the first city in the world to launch a commercial air taxi service, following successful full-scale test flights completed by US-based Joby Aviation,” Bahrozyan confirmed.

Central to the plan is a strategic partnership between Joby Aviation responsible for supplying, operating, and maintaining the aircraft and Skyports, a UK-based infrastructure company charged with constructing essential ‘vertiports’. Construction is already underway at Dubai International Airport, with additional platforms planned at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and the American University of Dubai. These four vertiports are designed to create a web of aerial connectivity across the city, drastically reducing the travel time between key urban and business hubs.

The air taxis are a leap forward in technology: fully electric, piloted vehicles that are 100 times quieter than helicopters. Each aircraft will seat four passengers plus a pilot and luggage, covering distances over 200km and reaching speeds above 300km/h. This opens up the possibility of ultra-fast connections between Dubai and neighboring emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah potentially cutting travel times between cities to under 30 minutes.

Initially, the air taxi network will launch as a premium service targeting business travelers and high-end tourists, with fares comparable to helicopter tours. However, RTA’s long-term vision is to drive costs down much like the evolution of electric cars making aerial commutes eventually as affordable as current ride-hailing services such as Uber.

Dubai’s aviation authorities, in tandem with Joby Aviation, are blazing a trail on the regulatory front. While Joby’s aircraft have yet to receive full certification from any international body, UAE regulators are working proactively with the company, positioning Dubai to set a global standard for integrating eVTOLs into civil aviation. “If we succeed, Dubai will not only be the first city to operate air taxis but also the first to regulate them,” Bahrozyan noted.

Although the first phase will connect high-demand locations within Dubai, the blueprint is designed for scalability across the wider UAE. Future phases will see vertiports expand into residential and commercial hotspots, fostering public-private partnerships and fueling city-wide and intercity aerial mobility.

“This isn’t just a transport solution, it’s a blueprint for future cities,” Bahrozyan concluded, signaling Dubai’s intent to shape the cities of tomorrow—today.

For Filipinos dreaming of global exploration, 2025 is opening new doors as international travel becomes more accessible. From the vibrant markets of Morocco and the pristine waters of Fiji to the dynamic streets of Hong Kong, a world of adventure is now within easier reach.

The Philippines has climbed up the global mobility ladder, ranking 72nd in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, an improvement from 73rd in 2024. This ranking reflects steady progress over recent years moving up from 83rd in 2021 to 72nd today and signifies broader access to visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or simplified electronic travel authorisation (ETA) entry in 65 countries worldwide for Filipino passport holders.

Travelers holding a Philippine passport can now enjoy visa-free entry to a diverse list of countries spanning Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific. Popular destinations where Filipinos can simply present their passport and enter without a visa include Barbados, Brazil, Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Morocco, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam, among many others.

If they prefer the convenience of on-the-spot arrangements, Filipino travelers can obtain visas upon arrival in nations like Burundi, Maldives, Nepal, Samoa, Tanzania, and Trinidad and Tobago. Meanwhile, electronic visas open doors to countries such as Albania, India, Russia, South Africa, and Turkey, allowing travelers to complete the process easily online without embassy visits.

Further simplifying travel, electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) essentially pre-approval done online facilitate entry into Kenya, Israel, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka for Filipino nationals.

This gradual but steady rise in passport power highlights the Philippines’ growing diplomatic engagements and bilateral agreements, enhancing the mobility of its citizens. While high-demand destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Schengen zone countries still require visas, the expanded list of countries easing entry for Filipinos marks a significant stride towards a more connected and border-friendly experience for global adventurers from the Philippines.

With visa-free or simplified access to an expanding list of countries, the dream for many Filipinos of sampling global cultures, cuisines, and landscapes from bustling streets to untouched natural wonders  becomes increasingly attainable.

Dubai is swiftly cementing its position as a premier global tourism hub, welcoming over 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025—a 6 percent rise from the same period last year. This robust growth underscores the city’s ongoing appeal and strategic vision to rank among the top three global tourism destinations, as articulated in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, attributed this success to the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the role of strong public-private partnerships and an effective global marketing strategy in propelling Dubai’s tourism sector forward. “A warm welcome to all our visitors, from the heart of the world — Dubai,” he wrote on X.

Building on a record-breaking 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024—which marked a 9 percent year-on-year increase surpassing the previous 17.15 million in 2023—Dubai’s tourism pulse remains exceptionally vibrant. The city’s world-class infrastructure, strategic crossroads location bridging East and West, and seamless global connectivity continue to attract a diverse array of tourists.

Hotel occupancy rates reflect this booming sector, standing at over 80 percent, complemented by strong performances in average daily rates and revenues per available room. This thriving hospitality scene, alongside a dynamic calendar of business, leisure, cultural, and retail events, fortifies Dubai’s reputation as a preferred destination for travelers worldwide.

In essence, Dubai’s first half of 2025 tourism figures highlight not only the city’s resilience but also its bold ambition to be a crown jewel on the global travel map, welcoming millions with unmatched hospitality and unforgettable experiences.

Qatar Navigation (Milaha) and Qatar Airways Group have cemented a strategic alliance by signing a five-year agreement for comprehensive warehousing and logistics services—a key milestone in the collaboration between these two national champions of Qatar. Under this partnership, Milaha will deliver end-to-end supply chain solutions encompassing warehousing, inventory management, and distribution support, leveraging advanced logistics technologies and real-time visibility tools tailored to Qatar Airways Group’s evolving needs.

The partnership highlights a mutual commitment to operational excellence and superior service quality, reinforcing Milaha’s standing as the preferred logistics partner for major entities in Qatar and the region. Qatar Airways Group selected Milaha after a competitive evaluation process, impressed by Milaha’s robust digital infrastructure, integrated systems, and consistent track record in providing reliable and customer-centric logistics solutions.

Cutting-edge technologies, including automated inventory tracking, data-driven performance analytics, and sophisticated warehouse management systems, will underpin seamless coordination and enhance service delivery across Qatar Airways’ supply chain. This technological edge represents a significant step forward in creating resilient, efficient logistics operations aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030’s goals of building world-class, technology-enabled, and sustainable supply chain capabilities.

Milaha Group CEO Fahad bin Saad al-Qahtani expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing the foundation of mutual trust and a shared vision for service excellence. He highlighted the agreement’s role in positioning Milaha as a strategic enabler of national connectivity and global competitiveness through dependable logistics solutions. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed al-Meer noted that the collaboration strengthens supply chain resilience and supports the airline’s global expansion, further contributing to the nation’s vision for sustainable growth.

This long-term agreement not only deepens the strategic alliance between two of Qatar’s flagship companies but also underscores their dedication to innovation, infrastructure investment, and human capital development. Together, Milaha and Qatar Airways are driving forward Qatar’s ambitions to be a leading regional and international hub for logistics and aviation services, delivering world-class operational standards and continuing the nation’s journey towards economic diversification and sustainability.

Shares of Singapore Airlines (SIA) took a sharp tumble in early trading on July 29, plunging as much as 8.6 percent following the announcement of a steep 59 percent decline in the group’s first-quarter net profit for the financial year 2025/26. The stock closed down 7.4 percent at $7.04, marking the largest intra-day drop since August 2024, with heavy trading volume of 38.5 million shares.

SIA reported net profit of S$186 million for the three months ended June 30, down from S$452 million a year earlier. This sharp fall was driven primarily by lower interest income and significant losses shared from associates, chiefly Air India, in which SIA owns a 25.1 percent stake. Air India’s financial results were newly included from December 2024 after the full integration of Vistara into Air India, whereas they were absent from the prior year’s first quarter results, explaining part of the steep decline.

Despite the profit setback, the group recorded strong operational performance: total revenue rose 1.5 percent to S$4.79 billion, supported by record passenger numbers. SIA and its subsidiary Scoot carried a combined 10.3 million passengers in the quarter, a 6.9 percent increase year-on-year, with passenger load factor improving slightly to 87.6 percent as growth in traffic outpaced capacity expansion.

 However, passenger yields fell 2.9 percent due to intensified competition amid capacity increases by other airlines. Cargo revenue also declined amid falling yields and wider capacity over cargo demand.

Analysts pointed to the drag on SIA’s bottom line from Air India’s continued losses and the lingering impact from the Air India Flight 171 crash in June, which led to flight cuts and a reported 20 percent drop in bookings on domestic and international routes. Market reactions included downgrades by several analysts, with target prices lowered and warnings of potential further losses from Air India.

Nonetheless, some experts remain cautiously optimistic about SIA’s outlook, noting stabilizing passenger yields and ongoing strengths in brand, service, and innovation that should help the airline to navigate current market challenges and transition towards renewed growth.

In summary, Singapore Airlines faces near-term headwinds from associate losses and competitive pressure on yields despite solid travel demand and record passenger traffic, reflecting a mixed outlook amid volatile global and regional aviation market conditions.