AGP Executive Report

New China Link: Shenzhen Airlines began direct round-trip flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Shenzhen on September 30, giving travellers another connection to China’s Greater Bay Area and supporting leisure and business travel. Better Inflight Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines has completed Wi-Fi installation across its A320 fleet, bringing satellite internet to passengers throughout its Asia-Pacific network. Borneo Jazz: The festival returns to Miri on December 4–5, with stronger participation from Brunei, Sabah and Indonesia—another cross-border cultural draw for visitors to Borneo.

Air Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines has launched a direct Brunei–Shenzhen link, initially running four charter flights a week for three months before shifting to three scheduled services weekly. The route opens connections to other Chinese cities and supports Brunei’s Visit Brunei 2027 target of 900,000 international arrivals. In-flight Experience: Royal Brunei Airlines has completed Wi-Fi installation across its Airbus A320 fleet, giving passengers access to satellite connectivity across the airline’s network, including China and India. Borneo Events: Miri’s Borneo Jazz Festival returns on 4–5 December for its 20th edition, with stronger participation from Brunei and other Borneo communities.

Regional Festivals: Borneo Jazz returns to Miri on December 4–5, with organisers promising stronger participation from Brunei, Sabah and Indonesia. New Air Link: Shenzhen Airlines began Brunei–Shenzhen flights on September 29, initially offering four charter services a week for three months before switching to three scheduled flights weekly. The route supports Brunei’s goal of attracting 900,000 international visitors for Visit Brunei 2027. In-Flight Connectivity: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES have completed Wi-Fi installations across the airline’s A320 fleet, improving connectivity for passengers across its network. Tourism Outreach: Brunei tour operators and influencers are among those invited to India’s International Tourism Mart in Tawang, October 29–31, showcasing Northeast India’s nature, culture and adventure travel.

China Connections: Shenzhen Airlines has opened a direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, initially operating four flights a week on a three-month charter basis before shifting to three scheduled weekly services. Chinese air arrivals to Brunei rose 17.6% in 2025 to 45,858, with 28,657 recorded through August 2026. Airline Experience: Royal Brunei Airlines has completed inflight Wi-Fi installation across its A320 fleet, while its cabin crew won Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew at the 2026 World Travel Awards—the airline’s fifth win since 2020. Borneo Events: The Borneo Jazz Festival returns on 4–5 December in Miri, with stronger participation planned from Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesia.

New Air Link for Brunei Travelers: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, starting with flights from Sept 29/30 and moving toward scheduled services, aiming to boost China–Brunei tourism and business ties. Tourism Numbers from China: Brunei reported rising air arrivals from China—39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%)—with direct connectivity and short-stay access highlighted as key to attracting more visitors. Airline Tech Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi installation across the Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity for guests. Regional Events for the Travel Calendar: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 Dec in Miri city centre, while Brunei’s wider travel scene also looks to Visit Brunei 2027. International Tourism Promotion: India’s Arunachal Pradesh will host the 14th International Tourism Mart in Tawang on Oct 29–31, with Brunei among invited countries. Aviation/Status Travel Perk: SAS EuroBonus expands status matches for elite members across major airline groups. Sports Tourism Spotlight: The Asian Games closed in Japan and head to Qatar in 2030, with Brunei among the medal-winning nations.

Air Connectivity Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct service, with inaugural flights marking a round-trip link to China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area; the route is expected to support tourism, business travel and people-to-people ties as Brunei targets stronger Chinese arrivals ahead of Visit Brunei 2027. Tourism Growth Signals: Brunei reported rising air arrivals from China—about 39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%)—with officials pointing to direct flights and short-stay visa access as key drivers for more short breaks and holiday packages. Onboard Experience Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed installation of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity to A320neo operations across the Asia-Pacific. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean. Travel Deals for Frequent Flyers: SAS EuroBonus expanded its status match offer, letting elite members of many partner airlines match tiers for fees ranging from €39 to €349. Regional Events for Borneo Travelers: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri city centre, with tickets set to go on sale 3 October.

New Air Link for China–Brunei Tourism: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with the inaugural flight on Sept 30 and initial charter operations before moving to scheduled services; officials say it should boost travel, business links, and short-break holidays as China arrivals from the market keep rising. More Connectivity on Royal Brunei Airlines: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed installation of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless onboard connectivity to more routes. Brunei’s Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean. Regional Tourism Push: The 14th International Tourism Mart will run Oct 29–31 in Tawang, with tour operators and influencers from 27 countries invited, including Brunei, as the event spotlights North East India’s culture and adventure tourism. Borneo Jazz Festival Returns: Borneo Jazz Festival marks its 20th edition on Dec 4–5 in Miri city centre, with tickets set to go on sale Oct 3.

New Air Link for Visitors: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen service, with an inaugural flight and plans to move from charter operations to scheduled flights—aimed at boosting Brunei–China tourism and short-break travel. Tourism Numbers & Access: Brunei reported rising China air arrivals (about 39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025), citing improved connectivity and visa-free short stays as key drivers. Regional Travel Tech: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s A320 fleet, expanding reliable connectivity for guests across Asia-Pacific. Borneo Events Calendar: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri city centre (Pullman Miri Waterfront), with stronger participation from Brunei and across Borneo. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean. Tourism Promotion Abroad: India’s Arunachal Pradesh will host the 14th International Tourism Mart in Tawang from 29–31 October, inviting trade and influencers including Brunei. Sports Tourism Spotlight: The Asian Games closed in Japan and head to Doha in 2030, with Brunei among the medal winners. Remembering a Bruneian Connection: Remembrance Day coverage highlighted Julian “Jools” Stott’s service and later community work.

New Air Link for Visitors: Shenzhen Airlines launched a direct Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route, with an initial charter phase (four flights weekly) before moving to scheduled services, aiming to boost Brunei–China tourism and people-to-people travel ahead of Visit Brunei 2027. Tourism Growth Numbers: Brunei reported rising air arrivals from China—45,858 in 2025 (+17.6% from 2024) and 28,657 as of Aug 2026—citing direct connectivity and short-break access (including visa-free stays for eligible Chinese passport holders). Brunei Airline Service Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed installation of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity across its Asia-Pacific network. Travel Industry Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean. Regional Events for Travelers: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 Dec 2026 in Miri city centre (Pullman Miri Waterfront), with tickets on sale 3 Oct. Visa/Travel Policy Watch: Germany published Schengen visa fee-waiver categories for certain family members, while Qatar and Oman outlined a joint tourist visa on arrival for eligible travellers including Brunei citizens.

Aviation & Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, with inaugural flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Shenzhen and plans to grow from charter operations to scheduled services—aimed at boosting tourism, business travel, and people-to-people links with China’s Greater Bay Area. Airline Service Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed installation of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity to more routes in Asia-Pacific. Tourism Awards: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala, marking its fifth win since 2020. Events in the Region: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri, with tickets on sale 3 October. Travel Policy Watch: Qatar and Oman published a joint tourist visa list covering 37 countries (including Brunei), issued on arrival for 30 days with a possible 30-day extension. Brunei in Sports Spotlight: Brunei athletes featured at the 2026 Asian Games, which officially closed in Japan and head to Doha for 2030.

Air Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, with the maiden flight from Bandar Seri Begawan on Sept 30 and an initial four flights weekly (charter for three months before moving to scheduled services), aiming to boost tourism, business travel and people-to-people links into China’s Greater Bay Area. Tourism Demand: Brunei reported rising China arrivals—39,000 by air in 2024, up to 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%), with 28,657 recorded from China as of Aug 2026—citing direct flights and short-stay visa access as key drivers. Aviation Service Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed installation of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing connectivity to all A320neo aircraft in operation across the Asia-Pacific network. Industry Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines again won “Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026” at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean. Regional Events: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on Dec 4–5 in Miri city centre (Pullman Miri Waterfront), with stronger participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia. Travel Policy Watch: Germany outlined Schengen visa fee waivers for certain family members of German citizens and EU/EEA nationals, while Australia published its 2026 Transit Without Visa list for eligible nationalities.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, with inaugural flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Shenzhen in late September and a plan to move from charter operations (four flights weekly) to scheduled service (three weekly), aiming to boost tourism, business travel and people-to-people links between Brunei and China’s Greater Bay Area. Travel Numbers (Brunei–China): Brunei reported rising Chinese air arrivals—39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%)—and said direct flights plus short visa-free entry for eligible Chinese passport holders support more short-break holiday demand. Onboard Experience Upgrade: Royal Brunei Airlines and SES completed the rollout of RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing reliable connectivity to A320neo operations across the Asia-Pacific network. Regional Events for Visitors: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri city centre at Pullman Miri Waterfront, with tickets due to go on sale at midnight on 3 October. Tourism Promotion Abroad: India’s Arunachal Pradesh will host the 14th International Tourism Mart in Tawang from 29–31 October, inviting stakeholders from 27 countries including Brunei, to spotlight North East India’s culture and adventure tourism. Aviation Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala in the Maldives.

Aviation & Connectivity: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new direct Brunei–Shenzhen route, with the inaugural flight from Bandar Seri Begawan on Sept 30 and a plan to start with charter services before moving to scheduled flights—boosting links to China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and supporting tourism, business travel and family visits. Tourism Growth: Brunei’s China air arrivals climbed from about 39,000 (2024) to 45,858 (2025), and officials say direct flights plus visa-free entry for eligible Chinese passport holders (up to 14 days) can help drive more short-break holidays. Airline Experience: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi rollout across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity across its Asia-Pacific network. Events in the Region: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 Dec in Miri city centre, with tickets due to go on sale 3 Oct. Travel Policy Watch: Qatar and Oman published a joint tourist visa list (including Brunei) for eligible nationalities, issued on arrival for 30 days with an option to extend.

Air Connectivity Boost: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route (started Sept 29), initially chartering then moving to scheduled flights, aiming to strengthen Brunei–China tourism and access to China’s wider network; Brunei also reported rising China air arrivals (39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025). In-Flight Experience Upgrade: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines completed the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi rollout across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing seamless connectivity for A320neo operations across Asia-Pacific. Festival Spotlight (Borneo): Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri city centre, with Pullman Miri Waterfront as official venue and tickets going on sale 3 October. Brunei Tourism Events & Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair wrapped up with booking growth (up 16%) and ticketing transactions rising (up 15%) year-on-year. Regional Travel Context: Qatar and Oman published a joint tourist visa list (37 countries) for 30 days on arrival, while Germany outlined Schengen visa fee waivers for specific family categories.

Aviation & Connectivity: SES and Royal Brunei Airlines have finished rolling out the RB SkyConnect inflight Wi‑Fi across the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, bringing reliable connectivity to all A320neo aircraft in Asia-Pacific routes. Air Links & Tourism Growth: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Bandar Seri Begawan–Shenzhen route (starting Sept 29), initially on a charter basis then moving toward scheduled flights, aiming to boost China–Brunei travel as Shenzhen prepares for major international meetings and Brunei pushes Visit Brunei 2027. Tourism Demand Signals: Brunei reported rising China arrivals by air—39,000 in 2024 to 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%)—and cited direct flights plus short visa-free access as key to attracting more short-break visitors. Events in Brunei’s Region: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4–5 December 2026 in Miri city centre, with stronger participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia. Service Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala. Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year.

Aviation & Tourism Growth: Shenzhen Airlines launched a new Brunei–Shenzhen direct route, with the first flight landing at Brunei International Airport on Sept 29; the service starts on a charter basis (four flights weekly for three months) before moving to scheduled flights (three weekly), aiming to boost short-break travel and reconnect Brunei with southern China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Visitor Demand Snapshot: Brunei recorded about 39,000 China air arrivals in 2024 and 45,858 in 2025 (+17.6%); as of Aug 2026, arrivals from China reached 28,657, with officials pointing to direct connectivity and visa-free entry (up to 14 days for eligible Chinese ordinary passport holders) as key drivers. Airline Recognition: Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean, its fifth win since 2020. Travel Trade: Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2026 wrapped up with bookings up 16% and ticketing transactions up 15% year-on-year. Regional Culture Tourism: Labuan’s Borneo Arts Festival 2026 drew over 30,000 visitors over three days, strengthening the Borneo arts-and-culture tourism circuit that also includes Brunei.