News in Brief: Monday May 2

News in Brief: Monday May 2
By admin


Air New Zealand has signed an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of 13 new A320neo aircraft to refresh its international narrow body fleet and an additional A320 to join its domestic operation.

The A320neo aircraft will replace Air New Zealand’s current fleet of 13 A320s which operate the majority of the airline’s Tasman and Pacific Island services.  Equipped with new generation engines and fuel efficient Sharklet wing tip devices they’re expected to deliver fuel savings of up to 15%.

The first A321neo is due in late 2017 with the remainder of the aircraft delivered at intervals through until 2019.  The additional A320 for the domestic fleet will be delivered in early 2015.

 

Emirates share of the international market in Australia crept towards 10% in March as Qantas again slipped back.

Latest government figures show Qantas captured 16.4% of the market, down from 17.7% a year ago, while alliance partner Emirates grew its share from 8.9% to 9.7%.

Virgin Australia's share climbed from 7.5% to 7.8%.

Singapore Airlines slipped from 9% to 8.4%, Air New Zealand fell from 8.6% to 8.3% and Jetstar edged up to 8.1% from 8% in March last year.

Low cost carriers AirAsia X, Indonesia AirAsia, Jetstar, Jetstar Asia, Tigerair and Scoot accounted for 16.1% of the market, up from 13.7%.

Total international passenger traffic in March increased 1.1% to 2.52 million.

 

Etihad Airways this week commenced its daily EY 171 service between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Los Angeles (LAX).

Los Angeles is the Abu Dhabi-based airline's fourth US destination, joining Chicago, New York and Washington DC. This network will increase further on December 3 with the addition of direct flights to Dallas / Fort Worth.

 

Insurance provider SureSave has launched a new service, WE Assist, offering customers 24/7 access to a Sydney-based emergency assistance team to help with matters from organising treatment during medical emergencies to assisting with lost passports.

"We recognised the importance of offering an emergency assistance team located in Australia and I am pleased to report that we are now able to provide better advice, faster responses and a higher level of service to over 2,000 WE Assist callers each month,” executive general manager Michael Callaghan said. “In stressful situations, having the highest possible level of support and compassion is critical.”

 

The inaugural flight on Garuda Indonesia’s new direct service between Jakarta and Amsterdam route took off on Friday, with new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to operate the route five times weekly.

The Netherlands city has been made the airline’s European hub as part of its plan to maximise its recent  entry into the SkyTeam global airline alliance.

Although Garuda has been flying to Amsterdam since 1963, until now, the route included a stopover in Abu Dhabi. 

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

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