Aviation Wrap: Western Sydney Airport names new CEO, Qatar Executive’s new private jet program + MORE
Here’s all the latest news from the world of commercial aviation, wrapped up courtesy of Travel Weekly.
Western Sydney Airport gets new CEO
In a joint release with Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann, the Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge revealed the new CEO for Western Sydney Airport (WSA Co).
Simon Hickey, who spent 11 years with Qantas in several roles, has been appointed to the lead role for the next five years.
Hickey has more than 30 years’ experience in commercial, aviation, and construction roles, including executive roles at Qantas and Lendlease.
Minister Cormann and Minister Tudge welcomed the WSA Co board’s decision to appoint Hickey.
Minister Tudge also thanked Graham Millett for his time as inaugural CEO of WSA Co.
WSA Co is a government-owned company, through which the Australian federal government has invested $5.3 billion to deliver Sydney’s second full-service airport.
Qatar Executive introduces private jet travel program
Qatar Executive is introducing a new and exclusive Diamond Agreement, which enables customers to pre-purchase flight time at fixed-hourly rates on long-range and ultra-long-range private jets.
The Diamond Agreement is tailored to the individual customer’s needs and requirements, offering what Qatar describes as “a truly unique flying experience” and unrivalled service.
To join this program, customers purchase a minimum of 50 hours’ flight time, without any associated membership fees. The all-inclusive and fixed-hourly rates cover both flight hours and taxi time.
Designed to simplify private jet travel, pre-purchased Diamond Agreement hours have no minimum annual usage and no maximum carry-over, making the program unrivalled in terms of its flexibility, Qatar said.
The airline’s customers are also offered guaranteed availability for reservations booked from just 72 hours in advance.
The news comes as parent-company Qatar Airways announced it is grounding its fleet of Airbus A380s, citing concerns the aircraft is not commercially or environmentally justifiable in the current market.
Instead, the airline is focusing on operating its full fleet of Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft for both passenger and cargo flights.
Benchmark figures identified that Qatar Airways’ fleet of A350 aircraft consumed 20 tonnes of CO2 less per block hour on certain routes compared to the A380, making them a more sustainable choice.
It comes as the airline prepares to resume Guangzhou scheduled passenger services with an initial one weekly flight starting from 26 July.
Emirates announces A380s’ return to the skies
On the flip-side, Emirates has announced it plans to deploy its A380 on a daily Amsterdam service, and will add a second daily A380 service to London Heathrow starting from 1 August.
This announcement follows the Emirates A380’s return to the skies on Wednesday, last week, with EK001 to London Heathrow taking off from Dubai International airport at 7:45am (local time), and EK073 at 8:20am, carrying commercial passengers for the first time since March.
Emirates has also resumed flights to Tehran (from 17 July), and is preparing to resume flights to Guangzhou (from 25 July), Addis Ababa (from 1 August), and Oslo (from 4 August).
This will take the airline’s passenger network to 62 destinations in August, offering customers around the world more convenient connections to Dubai, and via Dubai.
The news comes in the wake of Emirates operating a repatriation flight to Bangkok from Sydney on 19 July to assist Thai nationals, in addition to residents of the nation who are stranded in Australia, to get home.
Sydney Airport traffic down 95 per cent in June
Sydney Airport’s latest traffic performance data reveals the beleaguered airport continues to struggle during the coronavirus pandemic.
Total passenger traffic in June 2020 was 172,000 passengers, down 94.9 per cent on the prior corresponding period (PCP).
At least 32,000 international passengers passed through Sydney Airport in June, down 97.6 per cent on the PCP.
Domestic passengers totalled 140,000 for the month, down 93.3 per cent on the PCP.
While domestic passengers noticeably increased in June when compared with April and May, Sydney Airport expects to continue to see significant reductions in passenger traffic for as long as domestic and international travel restrictions persist.
Heathrow unveils further measures to keep the UK’s front door COVID-secure
Heathrow airport has unveiled further measures that reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19 at the airport.
The UK’s biggest front door and only hub airport has adopted what it describes as an “extensive array” of technology to protect passengers and colleagues, as the country readjusts to life post-lockdown.
The airport is set to use several pioneering technologies, including UV cleaning robots which use UV rays to kill viruses and bacteria quickly and efficiently at night.
UV handrail technology is being fitted to escalators to ensure continuous disinfection of the moving handrails. While self-cleaning anti-viral wraps are being fitted to security trays, lift buttons, trolley and door handles, aiming to provide long-lasting protection from COVID-19.
The wraps work by coating high-touch surfaces in a material with long-lasting anti-viral protection.
Virgin Atlantic agrees to $2.2 billion rescue plan
Virgin Atlantic has agreed to a rescue deal with shareholders and creditors worth £1.2 billion pounds ($2.2 billion) to secure its future beyond the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Australian Associated Press, the private-only deal removes the need for government support that had previously been sought by founder Richard Branson.
The agreement is expected to be completed towards the end of the northern summer and be spread across the next 18 months.
It also begins the process of Virgin Atlantic’s restructuring plan, which is based on a five-year business plan.
With the support of shareholders Virgin Group and Delta, new private investors and existing creditors, it paves the way for the airline to rebuild its balance sheet and return to profitability from 2022, Virgin said in a statement.
Delta reports multi-billion-dollar pre-tax loss for June quarter
Delta Air Lines has reported financial results for the June quarter 2020, which reveal the airline suffered a pre-tax loss of US$3.9 billion ($5.5 billion) over the period on a more than $11 billion ($15.6 billion) decline in revenue over last year.
Delta’s chief executive, Ed Bastian, said the loss illustrates the “truly staggering impact” of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business.
“In the face of this challenge, our people have acted quickly and decisively to protect our customers and our company, reducing our average daily cash burn by more than 70 percent since late March to $27 million in the month of June,” he said.
“Given the combined effects of the pandemic and associated financial impact on the global economy, we continue to believe that it will be more than two years before we see a sustainable recovery.
“In this difficult environment, the strengths that are core to Delta’s business – our people, our brand, our network and our operational reliability – guide every decision we make, differentiating Delta with our customers and positioning us to succeed when demand returns.”
The adjusted pre-tax loss excludes US$3.2 billion ($4.5 billion) of items directly related to the impact of COVID-19 and the company’s response, including fleet-related restructuring charges, write-downs related to certain of Delta’s equity investments, and the benefit of the CARES Act grant recognised in the quarter.
Australians can now travel through Hong Kong with Finnair
Travellers from Australia who are authorised to leave the country can now travel with Finnair through Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
The Qantas lounge in HKG is still currently closed and the Plaza Premium First Lounge is not expected to re-open until 30 September 2020.
However, Finnair’s Business Class passengers will be able to use the Plaza Premium Lounge located near Gate 1 during this period.
Meanwhile, Finnair has also announced changes to its fee structure for new bookings made through its Agent Helpdesk.
As of 31 July 2020, Finnair will charge $50 for ticket purchases, $100 for Oneworld products, and $85 for partially refundable tickets, among other measures.
Sunshine Coast boosted by debut of direct flights from Cairns
Sunshine Coast Airport has spread its wings to the north for the first time ever, officially welcoming its inaugural Alliance Airlines service from Cairns on Friday, last week.
The new three-per-week service provides a key connection between two of Queensland’s high-value tourist locations in line with the current push for domestic travel.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie said the connection would have long-term benefits for the region.
“It’s anticipated this service will facilitate around 40,000 passengers every year and inject $2.8 million of tourism spend into our region, undoubtedly providing welcome relief for local operators,” said Mr Brodie.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the announcement was a direct result of $15 million in funding from the Palaszczuk government to secure direct flights to Queensland destinations and support the economic recovery of the tourism industry.
Singapore Airlines capacity down 94 per cent in June
In June 2020, the demand for air travel continued to be severely impacted as border controls and travel restrictions remained in place around the world.
Singapore Airlines’ group passenger capacity (measured in available seat kilometres) was down by 95.1 per cent year-on-year.
Overall passenger carriage (measured in revenue passenger-kilometres) was lower by 99.3 per cent, resulting in a group passenger load factor of 12.2 per cent – a decline of 74.0 percentage points year-on-year.
SIA’s capacity was 94 per cent lower compared to last year’s, with only a skeletal network in operation connecting Singapore to 24 metro cities.
Passenger carriage declined 99.1 per cent, resulting in a passenger load factor of 12.4 per cent.
Featured image source: Flickr/Qatar Executive
Latest News
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.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
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 […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.