Aviation Wrap: Virgin’s biggest-ever kids sale, Air Vanuatu’s Airbus A220 arrives + MORE!
Here’s all the latest news from the aviation industry, courtesy of Travel Weekly.
Virgin Australia launches biggest-ever kids sale
Virgin Australia is offering half-price fares for every child aged two to 11 years travelling within Australia and New Zealand, across all classes, from until 30 October.
“We think 2020 will be the year of family travel and we’re making it easy and affordable for all families to explore new destinations and take adventures together,” A Virgin Australia spokesperson said.
“Travel doesn’t have to break the bank and these half-price kids fares mean that going on a family holiday is now one step closer.”
Air Vanuatu welcomes first visit of Airbus A220
Vanuatu’s national carrier has welcomed the first visit of the Airbus A220, ahead of the aircraft joining the airline’s fleet in June 2020.
Air Vanuatu is the launch customer in the South Pacific region for the A220, the most advanced airliner in its class, featuring new manufacturing technologies, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions, lower operating costs, and a more attractive passenger cabin.
The aircraft, which featured the colours of A220 launch customer airBaltic, was greeted in Port Vila by distinguished guests who were invited to tour the A220, before enjoying a flight over Port Vila city harbour and the volcanoes of Tanna, landing at Santo-Pekoa Airport.
Upon arrival, guests were treated to a performance by cultural dancers before speeches from Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Air Vanuatu CEO Derek Nice and Airbus executive vice president of sales Christopher Buckley.
Malaysia Airlines launches groups offer
Malaysia Airlines is offering up to 15 per cent off on group promotional fares for departures from Australia, for travel between 1 January and 30 September 2020.
The offer is available from now until 12 November 2019 and is valid for groups with 10 or more adults. Additionally, the top agent with the highest revenue will win two economy-class tickets to Malaysia.
For all bookings and enquiries, please contact Malaysia Airlines’ local group sales team via anz.groups@malaysiaairlines.com.
Cathay Pacific lands Australia’s first A350-1000
Cathay Pacific has become the first airline to launch the world’s most advanced aircraft in Australia – the Airbus A350-1000 – with flights into both Melbourne and Perth.
The airline will continue to upgrade key city services with an A350-900 to replace the A330 on Sydney’s CX111 and CX110 services.
The advanced A350-1000, like its -900 sibling, brings together the very latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies, providing improved fuel efficiency as well as a state-of-the-art travel experience for customers.
From a quieter cabin to LED mood lighting, the aircraft greatly improves passenger comfort and helps travellers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed.
All Cathay Pacific A350 aircraft are also equipped with WiFi. New inflight entertainment offerings across the fleet will keep passengers entertained with newly released movies, more complete boxsets and live sports events.
Sydney Airport trials news baggage screening tech
Smiths Detection has announced it is working with Sydney Airport in a trial to boost hold-baggage security at Terminal 1 with Computed Tomography (CT) based high-speed hold baggage automatic explosives detection system with the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT.
Following a successful trial of CT-based HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX for carry-on bag screening, the airport is the first in Australia to trial the explosives detection system in a live operational hold-baggage environment.
Emirates sweetens Diwali this year
During the Diwali festive period, Emirates is offering passengers on all classes a variety of sweet and savoury dishes to celebrate on flights to and from India.
From 25 October to 31 October, Australian passengers on the route and in select lounges across the network are being treated to traditional desserts, curries and snacks that are synonymous with the festival of light.
In addition, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, is featuring a number of popular Bollywood movies including Uri, Gold and 2.0.
American Airlines becomes only carrier to fly from US to New Zealand’s South Island
American Airlines will launch the only nonstop service from Los Angeles International Airport to Christchurch, New Zealand, next October.
The airline is also adding the only direct service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Auckland.
Qantas will also increase from six weekly flights between Sydney and Dallas Fort Worth to a daily service by mid-2020.
These routes are a direct result of the recently approved joint business between American Airlines and Qantas.
New music festival hits Melbourne Airport
Travellers departing Melbourne Airport this holiday season have a surprise in store for them when it presents the Boarding Pass Music Festival, running from 13 December to 20 December 2019.
Featuring around 16 young Melbourne-based performers and songwriters, the inaugural Boarding Pass Music Festival establishes Melbourne Airport as a rival to other major airports in cities such as Austin, New Orleans and Nashville in making a commitment to supporting local talent while enhancing the atmosphere of the airport and the experience of travellers.
Scheduled to coincide with high-traffic periods at the airport, the line-up of live performers have been carefully curated to provide mood-enhancing sounds and surprising performances.
South African Airways’ flight schedule returns to normal
South African Airways (SAA) flight schedule has returned to normal after the airline ensured that the majority of the aircraft identified for compliance checks have been released back into service.
A total of 25 aircraft in SAA’s fleet were identified to undergo a compliance verification process. So far, 21 have undergone the compliance verification process, resulting in an 84 per cent completion rate of the identified aircraft.
The remaining four are undergoing a scheduled extended maintenance service. Their absence will not affect the airline operations, as they were not included in the schedule to allow for routine maintenance.
United Airlines pledges $40m to further decarbonise commercial air travel
United Airlines has committed $40 million toward a new investment vehicle focused on accelerating the development of sustainable aviation fuels and other decarbonisation technologies.
The carrier, which earlier this year agreed to purchase up to 10 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel over the next two years, will look to collaborate with other environmentally conscious partners on the initiative.
Latest 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!