Saudia gets its new A321XLR, Hilton has an interesting promo, and I found Australia to Singapore space

Hey {{first name | reader}},

Happy Monday!

Today we have a fun mix: one interesting aircraft update, one hotel promo that is simple but useful, and one award availability find for readers in Australia or anyone planning travel between Oceania and Asia.

Here's what's inside today's post:

A little while ago I shared a deal I really liked: Singapore to Vienna in Saudia business class for about $1,000 one-way, with one stop in Jeddah. For Asia to Europe in business class, that is already a very good cash fare, and some dates showed their new Airbus A321XLR . Now Saudia has taken delivery of its first one.

The new aircraft features 24 fully flat business class seats with the Thompson VantageSOLO seat: a proper flat-bed product with direct aisle access. This is essentially the same cabin you would find on Etihad's A321XLR, and it is a great product.

I will always prefer a widebody for long-haul comfort. That is just the reality. But seeing more airlines introduce proper flat beds on smaller planes is a good development because it opens up routes and price points that did not exist before.

For a $1,000 cash fare from Singapore to Europe, knowing you will be in a proper flat bed makes the decision much easier.

Hilton Honors has opened registration for its summer promotion: More Nights, More Points, running for stays between June 1 and August 15, 2026.

The structure is simple:

No cap, registration required before your first eligible stay, and existing reservations qualify as long as you register first.

On its own, 2,000 points per stay is not going to change your life. But here is where it gets more interesting.

In some parts of Asia, Hilton properties are very affordable. A good example: Metropolis Suites Bangkok, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, can be found for around $50 per night. At that rate, a one-night stay costs you almost nothing, you earn your regular Hilton points, and you also pick up 2,000 bonus points from the promo on top.

If you are traveling through Asia this summer and staying at Hilton properties anyway, this is completely free value. And if you happen to be doing multiple short stays across the region, the points can add up quickly without you doing anything differently.

I would not book stays I did not need just to chase the bonus. But if the rates are low and the location works, this is a very easy way to build your Hilton balance.

Register before your first eligible stay and you are done.

Now for our readers in Australia, and anyone looking at travel between Oceania and Asia.

I am seeing good Singapore Airlines business class award availability from Brisbane to Singapore, pricing at 45,000 Aeroplan points one-way. Brisbane to Singapore is roughly a 10-hour flight, and we can all agree that business class is heaven on flights this long.

With the current Aeroplan points sale, the math works out nicely. At around 1.44 cents per point, buying 45,000 points costs roughly $648 USD. Add about $90 in taxes, and the all-in cost lands around $740 USD for a 10-hour Singapore Airlines business class flight. That is very good value.

As always: check that the space is available on your dates, compare against the cash fare, and make sure the points sale pricing works for your account before buying anything.

But this is how buying points should work. Not because there is a bonus. You buy because there is real award space and the math makes sense. Brisbane to Singapore for 45,000 Aeroplan points is a clean example of that.

That's it for today.

More deals, news, and trip ideas coming your way on Wednesday.

Catch you in the clouds,

Tomi from Points Master