Aviation Wrap: Canberra Airport ‘Master Plan’ approved, SAA’s birthday sale + MORE!
![Aviation Wrap: Canberra Airport ‘Master Plan’ approved, SAA’s birthday sale + MORE!](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Have you started your working week in a bit of a slump? Soar on out of it here with our Aviation Wrap!
Government approves Canberra Airport’s ‘Master Plan’
The federal government has approved the Canberra Airport 2020 Master Plan, which is set to create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity over the coming decades.
The Master Plan sets out a 20-year strategic vision for the airport to ensure appropriate development and cater for future growth, with passenger numbers set to rise to more than nine million people by 2039.
Approval of Canberra Airport’s 2020 Master Plan follows a comprehensive statutory referral and consultation process that attracted support from all major stakeholders. The 2020 Master Plan will in force for eight years or until a new one is approved.
Canberra Airport will publish the final Master Plan on its website in the coming days.
South African Airways celebrates 86th birthday with special fares
South African Airways is celebrating 86 years of flying with special fares available to Africa from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.
The sale is valid until 7 March 2020 for travel from until 2 April 2020, as well as from 15 April to 24 June, 7 July to 17 September, and 30 September to 20 November.
Economy fares from Australia to Johannesburg start from $1,107 inclusive of taxes and government charges.
For more information, contact SAA’s reservations team on 1300 435 972 or visit the airline’s website.
Prince Charles tours British Airways base
The Prince of Wales recently toured British Airways’ engineering base in Cardiff, seeing firsthand the changes that the airline is making as it works towards more sustainable flying.
In front of more than 400 BA staff, Prince Charles was shown the airline’s nose-to-tail focus on sustainability, from its heavyweight investments in new fuel-efficient aircraft, to the smallest detail of using a lightweight solder in aircraft repairs, bringing down the carbon footprint of each journey.
Travelport extends partnership with five Pacific airlines
Travelport has signed new multi-year content agreements with Regional Express, Solomon Airlines, Air Vanuatu, Samoa Airways, and Air Tahiti Nui.
Under the agreements, the five airlines will continue to be supported by Travelport’s technologies and solutions, which enable more than 68,000 agencies worldwide serving hundreds of millions of people to search, book and sell their air content and inventory.
Air New Zealand’s Cook Islands sale
A South Pacific holiday to the Cook Islands has become all the more appealing thanks to Air New Zealand.
The airline is offering flights to Rarotonga from $495 per person return (including taxes) on Air New Zealand’s direct service from Sydney.
This fare price is valid for travel from 28 August to 30 October. For anyone who is looking at travel in the short-term, this fare is also valid from 28 Feb to 27 March.
The fare increases to $555 for travel from 23 July to 21 August and 5 November to 13 December, yet it’s still close to half the price of a normal direct service flight.
Premium economy fares start from $819 per person return and business from $1,319 return for travel periods of 28 February to 27 March, 28 August to 30 October, 23 July to 21 August, and 5 November to 13 December.
Air New Zealand’s direct service to the Cook Islands departs Sydney weekly on Friday evenings and returns on a Friday evening.
LAX pilots expanded on-demand food service
Aussie travellers transiting through Los Angeles Airport (LAX) can now take advantage of a new on-demand food service in Terminal 2.
The new service offers travellers healthy dining options and the convenience to order anytime, anywhere, for a speedy pick-up on their way to the gate or upon arrival.
The pilot uses the concept of a ghost kitchen, in which food will be prepared in existing kitchen space within the terminal. This innovative model supports sustainability and small business development at LAX without the need for new construction or infrastructure.
Lufthansa Group and Amadeus renew IT partnership and expand collaboration
Lufthansa Group and Amadeus have renewed and expanded their longstanding technology partnership.
The partnership will see Amadeus’ passenger management and retailing solutions power the airline group’s digital and retail transformation, while enabling “innovation and business resilience”.
Through this agreement, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and Air Dolomiti will continue to rely on the Altéa Passenger Service System (Amadeus’ airline IT system) to manage reservation, inventory, ticketing, disruption management at the airport, and departure control.
Also included in the partnership are “an array of exciting new services which are set to transform the way the airline group serves its customers, both online and at the airport”.
MIAT Mongolian Airlines selects Sabre to drive ambitious growth plans
Mongolia’s national carrier has announced a new long-term agreement with Sabre to implement the travel tech company’s Market Intelligence Global Demand Data solution.
The country has set a goal of attracting one million foreign tourists and earning US$1 billion ($1.5 billion) from tourism during 2020.
The partnership with Sabre follows the launch of MIAT flights in 2019 linking Mongolia to the key Chinese markets of Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as the airline’s announcement of plans for further long-haul routes, including a drive to develop a US route.
Hawaiian Airlines, HawaiianMiles members donate 35 million miles to non-profits
Hawaiian Airlines and HawaiianMiles members donated 35 million miles to 13 local non-profits in 2019 via the carrier’s member giving program.
Each organisation received an average of 2.8 million miles to support services aligned with Hawaiian’s corporate pillars of culture, education, environment, and health and human services in Hawaii.
The 35 million gifted miles constitutes the largest annual donation since the program’s inception in 2005.
SaudiGulf Airlines achieves NDC Level 4 certification
SaudiGulf Airlines has received the Level 4 New Distribution Capability (NDC) certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on schema 18.2.
NDC is a key transformation project launched by IATA to modernise airline distribution.
SaudiGulf Airlines has partnered with TPConnects to accelerate its NDC-enabled retailing, distribution and fulfillment strategy.
The carrier’s controlled Offer and Order Management solution, along with the platform from TPConnects based on NDC Level 4 Schema 18.2, enables SaudiGulf Airlines to introduce exclusive air and ancillary contents to travel agents and OTAs.
SaudiGulf Airlines will be rolling out TPConnects’ platform and NDC APIs for agents who already have a booking engine.
Hahn Air celebrates 40 million insolvency-safe tickets sold
Hahn Air is celebrating the milestone of 40 million insolvency-safe tickets sold. The figure counts tickets issued since 2010 when the airline introduced the free ticket insurance Securtix.
The insurance guarantees reimbursement if a flight issued on an HR-169 ticket with any of Hahn Air’s more than 350 partner airlines is cancelled due to insolvency of the operating carrier.
Featured image: Canberra Airport/Facebook
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air new zealand air tahiti nui air vanuatu amadeus aviation aviation wrap british airways canberra airport hahn air hawaiian airlines lax los angeles airport Lufthansa Group MIAT Mongolian Airlines ndc new distribution capability prince charles regional express saa sabre Samoa Airways SaudiGulf Airlines solomon airlines south african airways travelportLatest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?