News in Brief: Thursday October 31

News in Brief: Thursday October 31
By admin


Royal Caribbean Asia Pacific vice president, Gavin Smith, has been re-elected as chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association Australasia (CLIA) for a fourth term.

Other returning executive committee members include Carnival Australia chief executive Ann Sherry, Travel the World managing director Andrew Millmore and Silversea Australasia director of sales and marketing Karen Christensen.

MSC Cruises Australia managing director Lynne Clarke has joined the committee for the first time while Orion Expedition Cruises founder Sarina Bratton will contribute to CLIA as a non-voting Emeritus executive committee member.

 

Qantas has increased its stake in Jetstar Japan from 41.7% to 45.7% following an equity injection of 11 billion yen (A$120m) in the form of non-voting shares. The equity will be split between Qantas and Japan Airlines, the two major shareholders of the low cost carrier.

Qantas said the equity will support Jetstar Japan's fleet and infrastructure growth.

The carrier's other shareholders, Mitsubishi and Century Tokyo Leasing, will each have 4.3%, down from 8.3% each. 

 

Virgin Australia has opened a lounge at Cairns Airport.

The 710 sq metre lounge, which seats 180 people, is located on the upper level of the airport and features free wifi, a meeting room for six to eight people and a Luke Mangan inspired menu.

 

Tourism Australia has welcomed the arrival of AirAsia X's inaugural flight to Adelaide which touched down in the South Australian capital yesterday.

Managing director Andrew McEvoy said TA will work closely with the South Australian Tourism Commission to support and grow demand for the route.

 

Etihad will introduce eight live television channels to its inflight entertainment with the first four – BBC World News, BBC Arabia, euronews and Sport 24 – available from tomorrow.

Three more – CNBC, Japan's NHK World Premium and CNN – will go live later next month with Sky News Arabia introduced "in the coming months".

 

G Adventures director of sales, Belinda Ward, has been named managing director of the company's Australia and New Zealand operation.

Matt Drummond, who has been with G Adventures for five years, moves to the positon of national sales manager.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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