Industry News
December 2009/January 2010
Jetstar and AirAsia team up
Jetstar and Malaysian-based low-cost carrier (LCC) AirAsia have announced a new partnership agreement. Key to the alliance is the proposal to investigate opportunities for joint procurement of the next generation of narrow body aircraft. Both airlines claim closer cooperation between the two companies will help to reduce operating costs, pool their expertise and ultimately deliver cheaper fares for travellers.
The partnership is expected to deliver efficiencies across procurement, spare parts inventory and passenger disruption services for both carriers. As part of their alliance the airlines said they would be looking at a coordinated approach for future service disruptions and recovery across both the AirAsia and Jetstar networks.
Free chauffeur service
Virgin Atlantic is offering Upper Class passengers a complimentary chauffeur transfer service from selected destinations. Transfers for both ends of a journey are available in Sydney, Hong Kong and London's Heathrow Airport. The free service covers addresses within a 60km radius of the Sydney Airport, any address on the Hong Kong island or the mainland within the Hong Kong special administrative region (SAR) and any mainland UK destination within 120kms.
Airport security rules relaxed
The Australian government has proposed to scale back airport security rules to allow passengers to take items deemed to be 'low-risk' onboard once more. The changed regime could see the return of metal cutlery with rounded ends in-flight and at airport cafes. Passengers could also be permitted to travel with items such as knitting needles, crochet hooks, corkscrews and nail clippers. Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued new security directives to all United States and international air carriers with inbound flights to the U.S. following the foiled Christmas bombing of a US-bound jetliner. The TSA is mandating that individuals flying into the U.S. from or through 'countries of interest' will be required to go through enhanced screening.
Qantas expands fleet
Qantas has introduced its new A330-200 to the domestic network. Business passengers can rest easy in a 56cm wide seat with a wide seatback design, cocktail table and extendable leg rest with a fold out footrest. Economy passengers also enjoy a more comfortable experience with an extra wide seat and ergonomic seat cushioning. Personal on-demand in-flight entertainment systems are also available in each cabin.
Plush conference venue opens in Hunter Valley
New luxury conference and incentive venue Chateau Elan at the Vintage in the Hunter Valley includes five flexible conference rooms boasting state of the art spaces for business groups from three to 330 people. The resort is expected to open February 2010 and offers a range of team building activities, premium dining, lavish accommodation and a Greg Norman designed golf course.
TBus launched at Brisbane Airport
Qantas passengers connecting from a domestic to an international flight at Brisbane Airport can now use TBus, the carrier's new free inter-terminal transfer system. The TBus system offers greater frequency and replaces the former AirTrain arrangement. Bus stops are located outside the Qantas and Virgin Blue arrivals hall at the Domestic Terminal and outside the arrivals hall at the International terminal.
Regional upgrades
Almost $10 million will be spent on upgrading Queensland's Mackay Airport. The regional airport will receive a $2 million facelift to its passenger terminal including a larger departure lounge. A bulk of the funds will be spent on resurfacing the runway.
Pacific Blue targets Cairns route
Pacific Blue is launching a twice weekly direct service between Cairns and Auckland increasing seat capacity on the route by 79%. The service is expected to start March 23 2010, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
REX drops North Queensland services
Regional Express has ceased services between Mackay and Townsville. The service stopped on January 1 2010, just three months after it was launched. Contact your Corporate Travel Manager for further information.
Emirates expands network
Emirates has expanded its network with a daily service from Dubai to Paris, a daily flight between Dubai and Prague in July 2010 and daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Madrid starting August 1.
