Industry News
July 2010
Extra services for regional WA
Qantas is increasing services to Western Australia's regional centres with more flights for Karratha, Paraburdoo and Port Hedland during the next few months. As of this month however Qantas will offer three more Perth - Paraburdoo return services, operating on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and from September there will be an extra return Karratha-Brisbane service on Wednesday. A new Port Hedland - Melbourne route is also being launched in September.
Emirates open new lounge in Shanghai
Emirates has opened a new premium lounge at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The lounge has capacity for 165 passengers and is the first dedicated lounge in Shanghai's Terminal 2.
Cathay launches on board broadband
Cathay Pacific has announced that all Cathay and Dragonair aircraft will offer on board broadband connectivity from the start of 2012.
Cabins clogged with hand luggage
Jetstar is reconfiguring its overhead cabin lockers to free up space for the increasing amount of hand luggage passengers are bringing on board. The carrier is looking to give 40 of its Australian-New Zealand-Singapore fleet a re-design so that items such as life rafts, oxygen bottles and log books can be shifted to new storage areas and free up space for hand luggage.
Flights touch down in Red Centre
The first Virgin Blue flight from Sydney to Uluru will touch down at the Ayers Rock Airport at 1.20pm on August 3. The flight will be operated by Australia's first all-indigenous crew.
Best Western opens new apartment range
Best Western has launched new self-contained apartments - Best Western Ascot Serviced Apartments in Western Australia. Located 10kms from Perth's CBD and less than five minutes from the domestic airport, the property offers studio, one and two bedroom apartments.
Free parking Sydney Airport
Sydney Airport is now offering up to 15 minutes of free parking for motorists picking up passengers from the international airport car park. Previously motorists were being charged a standard fee of $7 for a minimum 30 minute stay.
QantasLink starts first international service
QantasLink has started direct flights between Cairns and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea with 12 weekly services including twice daily Monday-Friday flights and daily weekend flights offering an early morning departure and late afternoon return.
Dubai restricts loudspeaker calls
Dubai International Airport has started a new 'silent airport' project to limit the number of public announcements. Carriers operating out of the airport's three terminals are allowed to make two boarding call per flight, reducing the number of loud speaker announcements from 2000 to 700.
Blackwater Airport closures
QantasLink will cease operations to Queensland's Blackwater Airport from August 16, due to the airport's closure. All ticketed bookings for travel between Brisbane and Blackwater from August 16 onwards will automatically be rebooked to QantasLink flights between Brisbane and Emerald on the same day. Passengers also have the alternative of rebooking to Rockhampton or Biloela.
Airfare increases
Qantas has announced fare increases for international, domestic and regional routes for published fares from July 28 2010. Fares across all market segments will rise by 3%.
