Aviation Wrap: Etihad to resume Melbourne-London service, Rex enters trading halt + MORE
Are you hungry for updates from the world’s airlines? Enjoy Travel Weekly’s aviation buffet without the risk of catching COVID-19.
Etihad to resume regular Melbourne-London service
Etihad Airways has announced it will operate a regular scheduled service from Melbourne to London via Abu Dhabi from 15 May 2020.
The airline will also introduce services from London to Melbourne via Abu Dhabi from 21 May.
Flights feature business and economy cabins, and the airline plans to maintain this link until it fully resumes its previous double daily connection between the two cities.
Rex enters trading halt
Regional Express (Rex) has paused trading on the Australian Securities Exchange pending a further announcement.
The airline will remain in a trading halt “until the earlier of the commencement of normal trading on Thursday 14 May 2020 or when the announcement is released to the market”.
Air New Zealand to add domestic flights
Air New Zealand will operate to the majority of its domestic airports when the nation enters alert level two of its coronavirus recovery plan.
CEO Greg Foran said the airline plans to operate around 20 per cent of its usual domestic capacity compared to pre-COVID-19 levels during alert level two.
“Alert level two will see the return of flying to the likes of Queenstown, Invercargill and Blenheim in the South Island; and Rotorua, Gisborne, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Whangarei, and Kerikeri in the north,” he said.
“This comes on top of current flights to support essential service travel between Auckland and Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga and Napier, as well as between Wellington-Christchurch, Wellington-Nelson and Christchurch-Dunedin.”
COVID-19 detection trials to land at Heathrow
Heathrow Airport is set to trial technologies and processes which could form the basis of a Common International Standard for health screening at all global airports.
The aim of the collective measures being trialled is to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19 while travelling.
Concepts under review as part of the Heathrow trials include UV sanitation, facial recognition thermal screening technology, and contact-free security screening equipment.
ACCC authorises British Airways and Qatar Airways coordination
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a determination granting authorisation to British Airways (BA) and Qatar Airways to coordinate air passenger services on routes between Australia and the UK/Europe for five years.
The routes are between four Australian cities and the UK/Europe, and operate via Doha. The Australia-Doha leg of the routes is currently serviced by Qatar Airways, but not BA (except through code share relationships with Qantas and/or Qatar Airways).
Emirates achieves 32nd straight profit result
The Emirates Group has announced its 32nd consecutive year of profit against a drop in revenue, mainly attributed to reduced operations during the planned DXB runway closure in the first quarter, and the impact of flight and travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the fourth quarter.
Released yesterday in its 2019-20 annual report, Emirates posted a profit of AED1.7 billion ($717 million) for the financial year ended 31 March 2020 – down 28 per cent from last year – while the airline’s revenue fell five per cent to AED 104.0 billion ($44 billion).
Solomon Airlines extends international flight suspension
Following its announcement on 23 March scheduled international passenger flights will be suspended until 31 May 2020, Solomon Airlines has extended the suspension a further seven weeks until 15 July.
The Solomon Islands government also recently confirmed its progress in building in-country COVID-19 capabilities, with the expectation that Solomon Airlines will be operating repatriation flights to the sovereign state once these are approved.
Delta and LATAM sign trans-American JV agreement
Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines Group have signed a trans-American joint venture agreement that, once regulatory approvals where required are granted, will combine the carriers’ route networks between North and South America.
The agreement marks the latest milestone in the Delta-LATAM tie-up since the partnership came about in September 2019.
Air France makes face masks compulsory
In line with French instructions making the wearing of a mask compulsory on public transport, Air France is now asking customers to wear a mask throughout their journey.
Customers will be notified of this via all communication channels (email, SMS and websites) prior to their departure and will be asked to ensure they possess one or more masks for their trip.
Air France will also progressively implement temperature checks on departure from all its flights. These systematic checks will be carried out with contactless infrared thermometers.
A body temperature below 38 degrees Celsius will be required to travel. Customers whose temperature is higher than this may be denied boarding and their reservation will be changed at no extra charge on a flight at a later date.
Southwest Airlines now on Travelport GDS
For the first time in its 50-year history, Southwest Airlines is participating in the GDS world with full content available for agency bookings in Travelport.
In addition, Southwest will settle tickets booked via the new GDS processes through the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC).
Cebu Pacific intensifies sanitation protocols for flight restart
Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific will implement new sanitation protocols and intensify preventive measures, as it prepares for the resumption of commercial passenger operations following quarantine restrictions caused by COVID-19.
All pilots and cabin crew will undergo rapid antibody tests before they are assigned to operate flights. Furthermore, all operating crew and ground staff will don personal protective equipment while on duty.
Cleaning and disinfection procedures have been ramped-up for all Cebu Pacific facilities and equipment such as self-check-in kiosks, check-in and bag drop counters, and shuttle buses.
Alcohol-based hand sanitisers will be provided for all passengers and staff at the airport and inside the aircraft.
Singapore Airlines supports SA exporters with cargo flights
The first of six Singapore Airlines passenger aircraft carrying cargo only departed Adelaide last Wednesday supported by the federal government’s International Freight Assistance Mechanism.
The Airbus A350-900 aircraft took off just after 9:40am local time carrying more than 30 tonnes of chilled seafood, tuna, lamb, chicken, and eggs, as well as wine, cosmetics, mining equipment, commercial flavours, cider, and a range of other consolidated items.
The cargo shipments made their way to Singapore before being distributed and transported to Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Vietnam, and the US.
Airbus embarks on disruptive biotechnology solutions for aviation security operations
Airbus and Koniku Inc. have made a significant step forward in the co-development of a solution for aircraft and airport security operations by extending research activities to include biological hazard detection capabilities, as well as chemical and explosive threats.
The disruptive biotechnology solution, which was originally focused on the contactless and automated detection, tracking and location of chemicals and explosives on board aircraft and in airports, is now being adapted in light of the COVID-19 crisis to include the identification of biological hazards.
Based on the power of odour detection and quantification found in nature, the technical solution uses genetically engineered odourant receptors that produce an alarm signal when they come into contact with the molecular compounds of the hazard or threat that they have been programmed to detect.
Air Canada offers sneak peek of new loyalty program
Air Canada has introduced two new Aeroplan features in advance of the re-launch of its loyalty program later this year.
Members can now buy or gift miles at any time and can now use Aeroplan Miles to bid on cabin seating upgrades on Air Canada flights.
American Airlines begins cargo-only flights between Australia and the US
American Airlines has expanded its cargo-only operation this month to provide 126 weekly flights to 15 cities in the Asia Pacific, Europe and the Caribbean.
From today, American will operate weekly cargo-only flights between Sydney and Los Angeles with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
These flights will help transport life-saving medical supplies and materials between the US and Australia, including personal protective equipment and pharmaceuticals. Other essential goods include electrical machinery, mail, fresh fruit, vegetables, and beef and fish.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Aeroplan air canada air france air new zealand airbus airlines american airlines aviation aviation wrap british airways cebu pacific delta air lines emirates etihad etihad airways heathrow airport Koniku Inc. latam airlines group qatar airways regional express rex singapore airlines solomon airlines southwest airlines travelportLatest News
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
TTC Tour Brands is hosting a Masterclass series this May and June to make it ‘easy-as’ for agents to unlock all the tips and tricks of selling across its five brands. Across weekly Wednesday sessions TTC Tour Brands is shining a spotlight on selling its brands and Groups. Each Masterclass will provide a 15–20-minute key insight session […]
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!
Bunnik Tours welcomes KJ Phillips as the new BDM for QLD
We apologise in advance for winding Karen up as our State of Origin sledging begins to ramp up.
Drifter to usher in new age of affordable hybrid accommodation in Christchurch
Sort of like a hostel, but far, far ritzier!
Icebergs restaurateur Terzini joins Mangan at Sydney International Airport
Forget McDonald's or the sushi that's been there all day, dining at Sydney Airport just got a whole let better!
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: A beacon of luxury in the Kruger
If the lead image wasn't enough to convince you this is next-level luxury, take a peep inside.
Delegates ready for Africa’s travel showcase Travel Indaba at Durban ICC
How's it? We've requested a bag full of biltong on our reporter's return from this shindig.
APT’s world-first hydraulic-powered restaurant and bar ‘will be the envy of river cruises’
It may have been laughed off at first mention in the APT offices, but now it's here, APT are on top of the game!
Administrators appointed in wake of Air Vanuatu collapse – but there is hope
Another one bites the dust. We hope you sang to the tune when reading that!
South Australian beach crowned best ‘hidden gem’ in the country
Stoked baby! Or was that a typo?
Avalon Airport champions low-cost rail connection from Melbourne CBD
Avalon rail connection? Bring it on! In two years, say officials, but we say they've got Buckley's.
2024 Green Revolution Summit brings travel heavyweights into green fuel discussion
It's almost like the organisers read our article on sustainable fuel this week.
Wendy Wu Tours first China mega-famil for 100 travel agents will be full of Wow!
China travel guru Wendy Wu should have no trouble ordering 100 dumplings for key travel agents on her mega famil.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts gets behind Netball’s Suncorp Super League
So Netball Australia draws its moral line somewhere between Gina Rinehart and Oaks Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism Australia appoints new regional general manager United Kingdom
Expat Aussie Andrew Boxall steps off a Flight Centre gig to plant the flag as UK Tourism Australia GM.
Chef Alessandro Pavoni unveils Cibaria at Manly Pacific MGallery Collection
Only problem is you'll get stuck on the Spit Bridge on the way back, after you finish your meal.
Hotel Review: Atlantis The Royal – Stunning in every sense
You can look but you can't touch. At least that's what it feels like when reading an article on this masterpiece.
Flight Centre’s Big Red Sale starts today
Flight Centre taking inspiration from Qantas' Red tail sale yesterday, someone's gotta change for the next round.
Aurora Expeditions announces savings for solo travellers
Save your money and travel and go solo, just don't spend it all buying friends at the bar.
Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover
Etihad's giving you free hotel stays on your stopover while Qantas pays fines for ripping people off.
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.