Aviation Wrap: Canberra Airport ‘Master Plan’ approved, SAA’s birthday sale + MORE!
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
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!