Backtrack – our monthly news recap

Backtrack – our monthly news recap
By admin


2  An air embargo to Fiji, imposed after serious flooding, is lifted.

2  AirAsia X finally touches down in Sydney.

3 Qantas seeks a judicial review of a decision by the International Air Services Commission (IASC) not to extend its codeshare with South African Airways.

5 Jetset Travelworld confirms it has ended a commercial arrangement with Breakaway Travel franchise.

12 Globus managing director Stewart Williams brands travel agents “deluded” for believing demand is falling for coach touring.

12 Kirra Holidays and New Zealand specialist ANZCRO sign a strategic partnership to offset a “very tough” year.

13 The new Australasia country manager for South African Airways, Tim Clyde-Smith, tells Travel Today he wants to seek closer ties with agents. But he remains tight lipped on the Qantas codeshare.

16 Singapore Airlines off shoot Scoot appoints Australia’s former AirAsia manager Darren Wright to head its local operation.

17 The New South Wales government reveals the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre will close for three years at the end of 2013 to make way for a $1 billion redevelopment.

17 Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific again warn that yields are under pressure amid economic uncertainty and fierce competition.

18 Sydney and Delhi airports form an alliance with the aim of securing direct flights between the two cities.

19 Bruce Poon Tip, the founder of GAdventures, said mass discounting in Australia is undermining brand integrity, destroying customer loyalty and robbing poor communities of much needed cash.

20 In a break with tradition, Tourism Australia announces plans to travel to China to launch the next phase of its marketing campaign. The launch is usually held in Australia.

20 British Airways chief Willie Walsh tells Travel Today any deepening of its relationship with Qantas is unlikely.

23 The number of Australian visitors to the US in 2012 will again break the one million barrier but the rate of growth is expected to slow, according to US officials.

23 Cox and Kings goes against the tide and predicts a “strong bounce back” in sales to Egypt.

24 Webjet presents its case at the Federal Court for rejoining the fuel surcharge class action. The hearing continues on May 2.

24 Brand USA launches the first marketing campaign in the 236-year history of the US at Pow Wow in Los Angeles.

27 Jetset Travelworld admit trading in March and April has failed to meet expectations and warn that it may write down assets in its loss making corporate travel division.

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

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