1 Singapore Airlines
2 Cathay Pacific
3 Emirates





It has been a rough time for the airline industry, with the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reporting losses of nearly US$5 billion in 2008. More heavy falls are predicted for this year.

But results at Singapore Airlines, named Best Airline for the fifth year in a row, have shown the market may be levelling out. The airline has reported a net loss of US$115 million for the second quarter, an improvement on its first quarter net loss of US$222 million.

The airline obviously remains popular within the MICE industry, extending its voting lead from 59 per cent to 63 per cent this year. Singapore Airlines vice-president of public affairs Nicholas Ionides says the airline consistently meets customer expectations.

“The same features that attract leisure customers are also a factor for corporate customers, such as high standards of service, an award-winning inflight entertainment system, innovative on-ground and in-flight products and services designed with customers’ needs in mind,” he says.

With two integrated resorts scheduled to open in Singapore next year (Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands), Ionides sees a chance to further increase market share. “MICE business has always been an importantmarket for Singapore Airlines and now, with these new developments, the market is set to expand. We are working on plans and initiatives to tap the opportunities that come up.”

Cathay Pacific, which took second place again this year, saw a fall in premium business during the first half of 2009. The group puts this down to its major corporate clients particularly in the financial sector, either reducing or downgrading travel.

An ongoing focus on the MICE sector is part of Cathay’s 2010 plans. “Our offices around the world work closely with MICE organisers to ensure seamless arrangements for participants travelling to events in Hong Kong and other destinations in the region.

In 2010, we expect to see an increase in business travel to China on Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flights, particularly to Shanghai, the location for the 2010 World Expo,” says Cathay Pacific sales development manager Frosti Lau.

In third place, Emirates has seen a continued increase in passenger numbers, recording a profit for the 21st consecutive year. Vice-president for Hong Kong and China, Edwin Lau, believes its first and business class accommodation package, launched last year, will keep premium class customers loyal as well as capturing new business travellers.

“Emirates is making every effort to improve its service, particularly premium class,” he says. “We have been gradually upgrading first-class seats into private suites and refurbishing business class seats into flat beds.”