7 big travel stories you may have missed during the Christmas break
Out of touch with the news cycle after the Christmas hols? Here’s a recap of the biggest stories to get you up to speed.
Boeing CEO resigns amid ongoing 737 MAX drama
In late December, Boeing announced that Dennis Muilenburg (pictured above) had resigned from his positions as CEO and board director.
Muilenburg’s resignation has been touted as a dismissal by Boeing’s board, following a year of intense scrutiny and industrial setbacks after two fatal crashes of the embroiled 737 MAX jet.
He parts after a 34-year tenure at Boeing, where he reportedly started as an intern in 1985 and rose through the company’s defence and services ranks to the top job in 2015.
Boeing announced it would suspend production on the 737 MAX for the first time, late last year, as it continues to pursue approval for the return to service of the jet. The 737 MAX has been grounded since March last year.
The leadership shake-up comes in a bid to restore confidence in the company as it “works to repair relationships” with regulators, stakeholders and customers.
Current chairman, David Calhoun will serve as CEO and president, effective 13 January 2020. While chief financial officer Greg Smith will serve as interim CEO during the brief transition period.
Following the announcement, Boeing’s shares reportedly rose 4 per cent in early trading.
Under the company’s new leadership, Boeing said it will operate with a renewed commitment to full transparency, including effective and proactive communication with the FAA.
To read more of Travel Weekly’s ongoing coverage of the Boeing 737 MAX saga, click here.
White Island/Whakaari volcano death toll rises
The official death toll of the White Island (Whakaari) volcano eruption has risen to 17, after a person injured in the incident died in hospital, New Zealand police said.
Australian Chris Cozad, 43, has been named as the 16th victim in the tragedy, which occurred two weeks ago.
Cozad had been in New Zealand celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife Bianca and family on an Ovation of the Seas cruise before the incident, the NZ Herald reported.
He has been remembered as a “beautiful” father who showered his wife and daughters with love, the outlet reported.
Mayuri “Mary” Singh was named as the 17th victim of the volcano disaster by American news organisation ABC News, after sustaining burns to 70 per cent of her body, according to a family friend.
Mary had reportedly been on the island with her husband Pratap “Paul” Singh, when both suffered severe burns in the eruption. The outlet reported that Paul remained in a stable condition, after reportedly sustaining burns to 40 per cent of his body.
Family friend Roger da Silva described the couple as “beautiful people” in an interview with Atlanta publication 11Alive.
New Zealand police have also announced the suspension of the search for the final two people missing after the eruption at Whakaari island.
Both Winona Langford, 17, and tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman, 40, are both presumed dead.
To read more of Travel Weekly’s coverage of the White Island/Whakaari eruption, click here.
Global limit on sulphur in ships’ fuel oil comes into effect
A global regulation that will substantially reduce harmful sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions from ships has come into effect, bringing significant benefits for both human health and the environment.
From 1 January 2020 the global upper limit on the sulphur content of ships’ fuel oil will be reduced to 0.50 per cent (down from 3.50 per cent).
Known as “IMO 2020”, the reduced limit is mandatory for all ships operating outside certain designated Emission Control Areas, where the limit is already 0.10 per cent.
The new limit is part of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships (MARPOL), a key environmental treaty under the auspices of the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO).
As a result, IMO said reductions in stroke, asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are expected. Cutting sulphur emissions from ships will also help prevent acid rain and ocean acidification, benefitting crops, forests and aquatic species, IMO explains.
At least 15 people killed in passenger plane crash in Kazakhstan
A passenger plane carrying around 100 people crashed after take-off, in an accident that killed at least 15 people, ABC News reported.
Authorities said 66 people were taken to hospital, after the Fokker 100 aircraft, operated by Bek Air, crashed near Almaty, Kazakhstan. The plane had been carrying 93 passengers and five crew, the outlet reported.
The plane was on its way from Almaty to Nur-Sultan when it lost altitude during take-off and broke through a concrete fence, before hitting a two-storey house, Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Committee said.
Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Committee suspended all Fokker 100 aircraft, pending an investigation into the incident.
Corporate Travel Management acquires Texas-based travel company
Corporate Travel Management Limited (CTM) announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Texas-based Corporate Travel Planners Inc (CTP).
CTP specialises in corporate travel services, with a focus on the university and education sector, CTM said in an ASX announcement.
Subject to customary conditions precedent, the acquisition became effective from 1 January 2020.
Emirates president to retire in June
Tim Clark is set to end a more than 30-year tenure at Emirates when he retires from his role as president in June, according to multiple reports.
Clark, 70, joined Emirates as part of its founding executive team in 1985, and is set to remain with the company, but will move to an advisory role.
“Through wars, economic recessions, disasters natural or man-made, and various industry upheavals, Tim has ably steered and grown Emirates to its standing today,” Emirates Group CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said in an internal memo reportedly seen by Bloomberg.
Australian passenger “deliberately jumped” overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line vessel
A 62-year-old Australian passenger who went overboard from the Norwegian Jewel on Sunday, 29 December “deliberately jumped”, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) told Fox News in a statement.
The incident occurred near Hawk’s Bay in New Zealand and was reportedly captured on CC surveillance cameras, with the footage seen by witnesses, NCL said.
“As confirmed by our CCTV cameras and witness statements, on Dec. 29, 2019, a 62-year-old Australian male guest deliberately jumped overboard while the vessel was sailing from Napier, New Zealand,” a spokesperson for the cruise line told Fox News.
“The authorities were notified and a search and rescue operation ensued immediately. Unfortunately, the guest has not been found. Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual’s family during this difficult time.”
If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, reach out to Lifeline, beyondblue, the Kids Helpline or Headspace.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Bek Air boeing corporate travel management Fokker 100 kazakhstan tim clark Whakaari white islandLatest News
Aurora Expeditions announces savings for solo travellers
Aurora Expeditions has today announced savings for solo travellers thinking of going north for the summer. Adventurous solo travellers can take advantage of no solo supplements, enjoying a guaranteed private cabin on select departures during Aurora’s Arctic 2024 season with plenty of options available on unforgettable voyages visiting Greenland, Svalbard, Northwest Passage, Iceland and more. […]
Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover
Etihad Airways and the UAE’s Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have announced the launch of Abu Dhabi Stopover which invites guests flying through to turn their stopover into a free hotel stay and holiday. The Abu Dhabi Stopover, exclusive to Etihad Airways, will enable passengers to enjoy a convenient free stay in […]
New MSC Australia boss talks hot topics for local cruisers, including the Caribbean
New MSC Australia boss, Antonio Paradiso, spills the Caribbeans on where he expects Aussie cruisers will go next.
Contiki’s latest campaign inspires travellers to engage with the world around them
Hands off! Influencers invited on holiday and told not to post anything. We can assure you they're back at it now.
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Disney excited about prospects of cruise business as Disney Treasure nears completion
Disney's booming cruising business is set to knock Disneyland experiences out of the park.
Scoot’s first E190-E2 flights take off between Krabi and Hat Yai
When flying's a pitch. Airline lite Scoot offers a standard seat pitch of 29” on its new 112-seater.
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI expects to be shaken not stirred with the launch of its ERDI Academy in its Melbourne hotels.
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Sporting enthusiasts and adventure seekers are gearing up for an action-packed year in Tropical North Queensland, with a lineup of sports events and adrenaline-pumping experiences set to take centre stage in 2024. Leading the charge is the highly-anticipated return of the Crankworx World Tour ‘Paradise Edition’ to Cairns from 22-26 May 2024. The mountain biking […]
Singapore Airlines Group first to receive SAF from Neste as AU/NZ play catchup
Singapore leaving many in their green dust. Here in Australia, we're hoping for a tortoise and the hare type outcome
Qantas Red Tail sale discounts more than 200,000 fares
Qantas marketers forever thankful to the team who chose the red and white colours. How else would they name a sale!
Bannisters by the Sea unveils retreat style package for new mothers
Three hours in the car with a newborn from Sydney might be tough, but trust us, it'll be worth it when you arrive.
Nothing Bonza can do to prevent loss of planes, ACCC concerned by latest aviation developments
Going, going, gone. It seems...
APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia
Whether its a cocktail by the beach or a hike through the mountains, APT has you covered. You'll find us at the beach!
Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland
Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]
Get ready to roll the marketing dice with Susan Coghill: Travel DAZE EXEC 2024
It's heating up in Cairns and we're not talking about the weather! Get ready for a marketing masterclass with Susan.
Aranui Cruises slashes prices with No Single Supplement and Half Price offers
French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is slashing thousands off its 2025 Austral and Marquesas Islands cruises with an autumn sale offering 50 per cent off the second guest in a twin share room and no single supplement for solo travellers. On sale until June 21, 2024, Aranui’s 12-day roundtrip voyage from Papeete to […]
Cebu Pacific campaign aims to boost Aussie trips to the Philippines
Cebu Pacific's bouncy singalong ad campaign 'Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines’ aims to get more bums on seats.
Tauck’s new river and small ship ocean cruises, plus increased Seine capacity
Tauck adding itineraries like it's going out of fashion, which cruising certainly isn't.
Railbookers and La Dolce Vita Orient Express partner up for new luxury Italian itineraries
Fancy a luxurious trip through Italy? Who are we kidding, we know you do. Start your daydream here.
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and lift a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
We're not talking about drones or VR goggles, but these updates will change the game in Auckland.
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Have you signed up for Sign Language Week? Let this be your sign to do so!
Holland America Line gives one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
There's only one winner, so it's sort of like the Hunger Games of cruise prizes... but no one gets hurt.
TAG’s Byron Carr excited about K-Pop induced Asia expansion
Carr to go all Gangnam Style with TAG's Asian expansion
CATO celebrates 25 years with anniversary dinner
CATO's putting on a fancy spread to celebrate 25 years as other 25 year olds celebrate their HECS debt being cut.
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
Two days in Fiji! If you didn't attend this conference we're sure you've got FOMO.
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Seabourn's doing a two for one deal. Kind of like a fast-food promo but its luxury cruising.
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Can't remember that Ponant contact you met at a networking event? Good chance they're included in this update.
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.