Already feel yourself crashing on this slow Tuesday? Well soar to the skies and fly high with this airline wrap. Yes, we accept how awful those puns are.

Sunshine Coast Aviation Partnership to leverage development of new international airport

Sunshine Coast Airport, Tourism Noosa and Visit Sunshine Coast have signed a historic Aviation Partnership agreement that will see the three organisations combine forces to develop and implement a new marketing plan to drive future tourism growth into the region.

The agreement was announced today by the three parties at the Sunshine Coast Airport and follows the decision by Sunshine Coast Council to approve construction of a new 2450m runway to cater for larger jets, along with a major upgrade of terminal and apron facilities. The project is scheduled for completion in 2020.

The three-year Aviation Partnership involves the three equal partners pooling $400,000 annually in marketing funds to grow business from the key interstate markets of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, along with New Zealand. It will target routes that are identified as having potential to generate sustained growth and regional dispersal.

Emirates to operate one-off A380 to Bahrain 

Emirates will operate a special one-off A380 service to Bahrain on 15 December, one day ahead of the country’s 46th National Day celebrations.

On 15 December, the Emirates A380 service will operate as EK 835 and EK 836, departing Dubai at 0055hrs and arriving in Bahrain at 0110hrs. The flight will then depart Bahrain at 0350hrs arriving in Dubai at 0605hrs.

Emirates has been flying to Bahrain since 2000, developing its operations by increasing its services based on growing demand, and today operates four daily flights to the Kingdom, connecting Bahraini travellers to over 150 global destinations, including key commercial and leisure centres in Europe,

China Airlines extends partnership with Sabre

Sabre Corporation, the leading technology provider to the global travel industry, today announced a partnership with China Airlines that will modernize and transform the airlines’ operational systems and processes.

Announced at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines’ (AAPA) 61st Assembly of Presidents in an official signing ceremony, the partnership will provide China Airlines with Sabre AirCentre Movement Manager solution, which provides operations controllers with the capability of monitoring status of flights, making the overall network more efficient.

China Airlines has a long standing strategic partnership with Sabre, utilizing other Sabre solutions such as crew management, schedule management and network planning across the carrier’s entire operations. The addition of Sabre AirCentre Movement Manager will increase on-time performance by communicating movement or irregular operations information simultaneously to other flight operations personnel, eliminating the need for duplicate data entry and makes problem resolution more efficient. By reducing operational-related delays and cancellations, airlines will improve their travellers’ experience too.

Qatar Airways enhances mobile app with new look and feel

Qatar Airways has further enhanced its mobile app with a new look and feel, making it now even easier for customers to use. The award-winning airline has added a suite of innovative features to its mobile app, making it as simple and user-friendly as possible, allowing passengers to have all the important information they need at their fingertips through their mobile devices.

The new and improved mobile app replicates the clean and modern Qatar Airways website, giving passengers a more seamless and familiar experience when accessing Qatar Airways’ platforms online. It includes a sleek new and unique design for its Privilege Club section, making it easier for passengers to access their profile and frequent flyer dashboard. The new app also features a redesigned menu, providing customers with all the information available on the website in a seamless way.

Qatar Airways is now offering up to 10 per cent off ticket purchases through mobile devices. Download the app and book using the promo code QRMOBAPP before 29 October 2017.

WorldKoins mobile app lets AirAsia travellers convert their leftover Ringgit into shopping credits

After coming to Malaysia for a business meeting in Kuala Lumpur or a holiday in Redang, what do you do with all the leftover currency that is jingling in your pocket? As a frequent traveller to many foreign destinations on AirAsia flights, you now have the option of trading your leftover notes and coins on the WorldKoins platform for WorldKoins credit that can be used to shop online.

WorldKoins is a mobile app operated by Appykoins Sdn. Bhd., which allows leftover currency to be converted to eGift cards and vouchers, which can be used to shop online from mobile phones.

WorldKoins is working in collaboration with AirAsia to offer this service to all travellers who fly on board selected flights from Kuala Lumpur. This six-months pilot programme offers guests on AirAsia the option to convert Malaysian Ringgit-denominated currency into WorldKoins credits that can be used to shop at various participating merchants such as Lazada, Grab, Skype, iTunes, Google Play, Facebook, transfer to PayPal or even donate to selected charity organisations.

Finnair’s expansion to reach all-time high during European Winter season

Finnair is poised to enter the largest expansion in its history during the upcoming European Winter season. With its fast-connecting hub in Helsinki, Finnair offers one of the most reliable and convenient networks linking several key destinations in Europe with Asia and North America.

Finnair General Manager – Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia, Geoff Stone said Finnair’s growth strategy would be in full swing during the European Winter with 20 intercontinental destinations, more than 100 destinations in Europe and a significant increase in capacity for Lapland destinations.

Finnair is opening new routes to Goa, India on 1 November to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on 5 November, to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic on 30 November and to Havana, Cuba on 1 December 2017.

Qatar Airways’ early bird sale to Europe closes soon

Qatar Airways’ Early Bird Sale fares end 1 November 2017, leaving less than a week for travellers to take advantage of fares starting from $1,030* return to destinations across Europe including London, Paris, Rome and Barcelona.

Travellers can fly to multiple European cities, including new destinations such as Prague, Skopje, Nice and Dublin.

Economy return fares start from $1,030 to Istanbul; $1,085 to Dublin; $1,210 to London, $1,140 to Paris, $1,130 to Rome, $1,110 to Athens, $1,210 to Edinburgh, $1,100 to Barcelona, $1,100 to Prague, $1,210 to Manchester, and $1,105 to Zagreb.

Qatar Airways is also launching a new Canberra service in February 2018. The service will stop over in Sydney, creating a second Sydney flight to Doha, providing more access for Australian travellers to the rest of the world.

Japan wins in inaugural Cheapflights Awards

Japan has won the “Favourite Destination – Asia Pacific Holiday” category at the inaugural Cheapflights Awards in Australia.

More than 14,340 Australians cast their votes from September through October and the announcements were made at The Private Kitchen in Sydney on 19th October 2017, with over 100 partners, industry professionals, media and influencers in attendance at the awards ceremony.

Representatives from Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) were in attendance to receive the award.

Finnair partners with Amadeus to transform its booking experience

Finnair is partnering with Amadeus to make travel bookings easier and more flexible for customers across all of its online platforms. The Finnair website and the Finnair mobile app account for one quarter of the company’s sales, forming the single most important sales channel for the airline.

Amadeus’ innovative REST/JSON Digital API empowers Finnair with enhanced retailing capabilities to deliver booking experiences according to customer requirements, without the need to follow the common airline booking sequence. Shopping carts and sessions will now remain open for several months, meaning that travellers can start shopping for flights at m.finnair.com, close their session anytime, and pick up where they left off to finish their booking.

In the future, this capability will also enable Finnair customers to access their shopping cart from different devices; for example, one can start a booking on a smartphone, and finish it on another device a few days or several weeks later.

Fall in love in Fiji too with Fiji Airways’ swoon-worthy fares

Fiji’s National Airline, Fiji Airways, is offering deals good enough to mend a broken heart with their direct flights from Australia to the romantic tropical paradise.

Less than fours away, Fiji is almost at our doorstep, making for quite possibly the ultimate date be it with your partner, friend or family. Aussies can fly direct to Nadi from fares starting at $503.00 return.

With white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and picturesque scenery, Fiji makes for the perfect destination for all things romance. The island paradise comes complete with its very own heart shaped island, Tavarua!

One of the most romantic destinations in the world, Fiji will make for the trip of a lifetime. Plus, the famous Fijian hospitality is like no other, from the moment you step on board you and your loved one are treated like one of the family.

Fall head over deals as Fiji Airways celebrates love with special economy fares for flights direct from four Australian cities.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes launches memoirs

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes today launched his memoirs, Flying High, a look back at his journey from music man to airline man.

The book was unveiled at a star-studded affair at Marini’s On 57 in Kuala Lumpur today, in the shadow of the Petronas Twin Towers.

Flying High recounts Tan Sri Tony Fernandes’ journey from a young boy growing in Malaysia to a homesick British boarding school student with a tuck box full of dreams, all the way to his time at Warner Music and finally as AirAsia chief – with plenty of stops along memory lane in between.

Published as Tan Sri Tony Fernandes returns as the face of the second series of Apprentice Asia, the book is an inspiring personal story of an exceptional business leader who created Asia’s first budget airline and democratised air travel in Asia, building AirAsia into a multi-billion-dollar company in the process.

SAA launches great value “Young at Heart” business class fares for over 65’s to Africa

South African Airways has launched some great value business class fares for people aged 65 and over wanting to travel to Africa.

According to SAA’s Country Manager for Australasia, Tim Clyde-Smith, the fares are on sale from now until the end of November 2017 and valid for travel from October 26, 2017 until further notice. Customers need to depart Australia on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and return to Australia on the same days. The fares are subject to 30 day advance purchase.

SriLankan Airlines operates inaugural direct service between Melbourne and Colombo 

SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance, made history today, with the commencement of the first-ever direct flight service between Colombo and Melbourne.

Touching down at 3.17pm ahead of its scheduled 3.25pm, the inaugural flight UL604 carried a host of Sri Lankan dignitaries, including Sri Lankan State Minister for State Enterprise and Development, the Hon. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, SriLankan Airlines Chairman Mr. Ajith Dias, SriLankan Airlines CEO Captain Suren Ratwatte, and internationally renowned Sri Lankan cricketers, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena.

The delegation that welcomed UL604 included Melbourne Airport’s Chief of Aviation, Simon Gandy and Invest Victoria Senior Investment Manager, Nigel Aldons.

The highly anticipated 10-hour flight service will provide an unprecedented level of convenience and comfort not only to the Sri Lankans residing in Victoria but also to Australian travellers expecting to explore Sri Lanka and beyond.

Fiji Airways Unveils ‘Resort Check-in’ Feature

Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline, has today unveiled the revolutionary ‘Resort Check-In’ feature at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island. The Resort Check-in facility, believed to be a first for the Pacific, will remain a permanent feature at the resort lobby.

Guests simply get to the resort lobby and check themselves and their bags in for their Fiji Airways flights. Fiji Airways issue the boarding passes, tag and take bags off guests, leaving them free to enjoy Fiji for a few more hours.

All bags are transferred to Nadi International Airports and loaded on the guests’ respective flights.

Guests can get a bite to eat, enjoy the pool, or go shopping at Port Denarau, before making their way to the airport. And at the airport, they bypass the airport check-in process and head straight to security.

Cathay Pacific announce first permanent Airbus A350 to fly out of Perth

Cathay Pacific’s newest aircraft to its fleet – the A350-900, has landed as a permanent fixture to Perth Airport. With a capacity of 280 passengers the A350 will replace the current A330-300 on the airline’s daily Hong Kong service, adding more than 21,000 seats to the route per year.

Departing for its first flight from Perth Airport at 11.55pm on Sunday 29 October 2017, passengers will benefit from a range of new innovative features onboard the aircraft dubbed the ‘hush-liner’ such as quieter cabins, intelligent mood lighting, and improved cabin pressure and humidity levels, all designed to enhance the quality of sleep onboard and reduce jetlag and travel fatigue.

Getting some shut eye on your red eye flight is not always easy, which is why Cathay Pacific have also partnered with Sleep Expert, Professor Peter Eastwood from The University of Western Australia to create the Ultimate Sleep Guide, providing expert tips and advice on the science behind getting the best inflight sleep.

Aurukun artists carve corporate gifts for Skytrans

Aurukun’s Wik and Kugu artists have turned their hand to corporate gifts at the request of regional Queensland airline Skytrans.

Aurukun Mayor Dereck Walpo said the carvers had taken great delight in carving and painting model Skytrans planes.

Skytrans Chief Executive Officer Mike Thinee asked if they would each make a model Skytrans plane which would be used as a corporate gift for clients.

Skytrans is a very generous sponsor of both the Aurukun community and the Art Centre and the community is very grateful for the many flights they donate as prizes and the assistance they give artists to travel to exhibitions.

Emirates’ Algiers Service to become daily 

Emirates, the world’s best airline according to TripAdvisor 2017, will be adding an extra flight to its service between Dubai and Algiers, making it a daily service from 13th December 2017.

The launch of the additional flight will complement Emirates’ current six flights a week, and further boost inbound and outbound passenger traffic and cargo flows between Algeria and Dubai, and Emirates’ worldwide network.

The new service will operate every Wednesday with an Emirates Boeing 777-300, in a three class configuration offering 8 seats in First Class, 42 in Business Class and 310 in Economy Class.

Latest news from Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways will upgrade its operations to the southern Iranian city of Shiraz from an Airbus A320 to an Airbus A330 on 2 November, in order to meet increasing demand from passengers. The 260-seater Airbus A330 aircraft increases capacity on this route by 81 per cent, with 464 more seats available per week for those travelling on the highly-popular Doha-Shiraz route.

Qatar Airways has also responded to increased customer demand for services to Thailand by launching direct flights to Pattaya, the airline’s fifth route to the country. The new four-times-a-week service, which starts on 28 January 2018, is in addition to the airline’s existing flights to Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket and soon to be launched, Chiang Mai. The launch of the service to historic Chiang Mai is scheduled to start on 12 December, 2017.

Located on the popular southeast coast of Thailand, Pattaya and nearby Rayong are major destinations for sun-seekers looking to soak up the local culture or relax and bask on one of the areas extensive beaches.

Qatar Airways has given match tickets to two lucky football fans to join in the celebrations and watch the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 football tournament in Kolkata, India.

The fortunate winners won the tickets as part of a social media contest held by Qatar Airways, the Official Airline of FIFA. They were selected from thousands of spectators who submitted pictures using the #KolkataTogether hashtag to enter the contest.