Aviation Wrap: Star Alliance’s COVID-19 database, United’s San Fran-Syd repatriation flights + MORE!
Through thick and thin, we’re committed to bringing you the news you need. But we suggest swapping a salad for three courses to match the time it will take to devour this Aviation Wrap.
Star Alliance establishes COVID-19 travel updates database
Star Alliance has established a page on its website offering links to each of its 26 member airlines’ information on coronavirus (COVID-19).
In order to obtain up-to-date and accurate information on each member airline’s travel information, visitors simply click on an individual airline icon.
The page can be accessed here.
United reinstates San Francisco–Sydney flights for repatriation
While United’s international schedule will still be reduced by about 90 per cent in April, the airline will continue flying six daily operations to and from the following destinations in an effort to get customers where they need to be.
Flights continuing from now through to May
- Newark/New York – Frankfurt (Flights 960/961)
- Newark/New York – London (Flights 16/17)
- Newark/New York – Tel Aviv (Flights 90/91)
- Houston – Sao Paulo (Flights 62/63)
- San Francisco – Tokyo-Narita (Flights 837/838)
- San Francisco – Sydney (Flights 863/870).
Flights through 27 March outbound
- Newark/New York – Amsterdam (Flights 70/71)
- Newark/New York – Munich (Flights 30/31)
- Newark/New York – Brussels (Flights 999/998)
- Washington-Dulles – London (Flights 918/919)
- San Francisco – Frankfurt (Flights 58/59)
- Newark/New York – Sao Paulo (Flights 149/148).
Flights through 29 March outbound
- San Francisco – Seoul (Flights 893/892).
Emirates to temporarily suspend all passenger flights
Emirates Airline will suspend all passenger flights from 25 March for a renewable period of two weeks, as the United Arab Emirates halts all inbound, outbound and transit passenger flights in its effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.
It comes as the Emirates Group undertakes a series of measures to contain costs, as the outlook for travel demand remains weak across markets in the short to medium term. These include:
- Postponing or cancelling discretionary expenditure
- A freeze on all non-essential recruitment and consultancy work
- Working with suppliers to find cost savings and efficiency
- Encouraging employees to take paid or unpaid leave considering reduced flying capacity
- A temporary reduction of basic salary for most Emirates Group employees for three months, ranging from 25 per cent to 50 per cent. Employees will continue to be paid their other allowances during this time. Junior level employees will be exempt from basic salary reduction
- Presidents of Emirates and dnata – Sir Tim Clark and Gary Chapman – will take a 100 per cent basic salary cut for three months.
Etihad Airways to temporarily suspend all services to and from UAE
Etihad Airways will temporarily suspend all flights to, from and through Abu Dhabi following a decision by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), to suspend all inbound, outbound, and transit passenger flights in the UAE.
The airline said the decision was made to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and to protect citizens, residents, and international travellers.
The suspension of flights to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport will commence at 23:59 (UAE local time) on Wednesday, 25 March, and will last for an initial 14 days, subject to further directives by the relevant authorities. Cargo and emergency evacuation flights are exempt and will continue.
In response to the current situation, Etihad is introducing Etihad Credit to give guests the freedom to delay their travel plans by permitting a free cancellation and is offering the original value of their booking to be used as credit towards their next trip.
Regional Express Airlines to cease all passenger services in Australia, except Queensland
Following an emergency board meeting at the weekend, Regional Express Airlines (Rex) has announced it will shut down all passenger services across the country, except for Queensland where the services are underwritten by the state government.
The airline advised that operations will cease with effect from 6 April 2020, unless the federal and state governments are willing to underwrite the losses.
“The federal government has acted swiftly by promising a rescue package to the airlines of $715 million,” Rex deputy chairman John Sharp AM said in a statement.
“However, the direct benefit to Rex from this package is only $1 million a month, which is grossly insufficient to cover the $10 million a month we expect to lose running the heavily reduced schedule we announced last week.”
Sydney Airport confident in “strong balance sheet and liquidity position”
Sydney Airport believes its in a good position to weather losses associated with COVID-19:
“Our average debt maturity has a tenor of over 6 years. We have unrestricted cash of over $370 million and $1.0 billion of available undrawn bank facilities at this time, from more than 10 domestic and large global banks,” it said on the Australian Securities Exchange.
“In addition, as announced to the ASX on 17 February 2020, we have approximately $600 million of new USPP bond market debt, which is due to be funded in June 2020. In total, this will provide us with approximately $2.0 billion of available funds.
“These funding sources more than cover the approximately $1.3 billion of expiring debt over the next 12 months. The next maturity after these 12 months is $200 million due in November 2021.”
The airport is, however, still working through the exact impacts of recently announced travel restrictions and reduced capacity from airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand.
Singapore Airlines makes significant capacity cuts and grounds aircraft
Singapore Airlines will cut 96 per cent of its capacity that had been originally scheduled up to the end of April, given the further tightening of border controls around the world over the last week to stem the COVID-19 outbreak.
This will result in the grounding of around 138 Singapore Airlines and SilkAir aircraft, out of a total fleet of 147, amid the greatest challenge that the SIA Group has faced in its existence.
The group’s low-cost unit, Scoot, will also suspend most of its network, resulting in the grounding of 47 of its fleet of 49 aircraft.
Air New Zealand enters loan facility and cancels 2020 interim dividend
In a statement on the New Zealand Exchange, Air New Zealand revealed it has entered into a debt funding agreement with the New Zealand Government.
Under the terms of the agreement, the government will provide a standby loan facility of up $900 million to support the airline as it manages the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on its business.
LATAM Airlines updates policy for travellers from Australia and New Zealand
LATAM Airlines Group has announced new change and cancellation policies for customers due to COVID-19 and the resulting travel restrictions.
For customers with tickets to travel until 31 May 2020 to or from destinations with border restrictions (including Australia, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Europe, Israel, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, and Uruguay) and for customers impacted by flight cancellations or schedule changes, the following options are available:
- Change of date or destination, or both, for flights before 31 December 2020
- Cancel a booking and gain a travel credit for future purchases before 31 December 2020 or within 12 months of the original travel date.
For customers who have already commenced their journey and wish to change their ticket, contact LATAM’s inside sales team on 1800 221 572.
Scoot update: Self-service refund option and one-time free date change
With immediate effect, Scoot has launched a self-service refund option on its website for all customers with bookings made on or before 15 March 2020, for travel dates until 31 May 2020.
Scoot has enhanced its “Manage My Booking” portal on its website to include a self-service refund button and developed a video to help people through the process, which will allow customers to submit their refund requests online at their convenience.
The refunds, in the form of Scoot travel vouchers, will be processed within 30 business days. Customers who booked their flights through third-party booking channels or travel agencies are advised to contact the relevant channel or agents for assistance.
As of 12 noon on 18 March 2020, 24 hours since the launch of the portal, over 24,000 refund requests have been submitted and over 8,500 customers have already received their refunds.
Solomon Airlines reducing international flying to and from Australia
Following ongoing consultation between the Solomon Islands’ government and Australian government, Solomon Airlines has changed its Australian flight schedule.
Until further notice, flights between both countries will reduce to six flights weekly (three flights in each direction), with flight suspensions envisaged to remain in place until October 2020.
Solomon Airlines is also giving travellers the option to opt for a free one-time date change on flights ticketed before 16 March 2020 for travel to 30 June 2020.
In addition, customers can opt to cancel their flights and use the value of their ticket as a credit towards the purchase of a new ticket for 12 months from its original issue date.
Latest News
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com has announced its AI Trip Planner (Beta) is now available for travellers in Australia and New Zealand, the first markets to launch in Asia Pacific. Until now, AI Trip Planner was only available for US and UK travellers after it was launched in the Booking.com app in June last year. Built using Booking.com’s existing […]
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]