Big Fat Airline Wrap
![Big Fat Airline Wrap](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Writing this airline wrap makes us want to go on holiday. Keep an eye out for our Go Fund Me, to pay for first class Emirates seats.
Vietnam Airlines welcomes Airbus A321neos to its fleet under renewal program
Vietnam Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo in Hamburg, Germany. This is the first of 20 A321neos ordered by the airline, reaffirming its commitment to providing the highest level of customer experience.
A321neo is the largest member of the A320 family with wider aisles and seats, accommodating 203 passengers in a two-class configuration, with 8 seats in Business and 195 seats in Economy.
Vietnam Airlines has been consistently upgrading its fleet, boasting one of the youngest and most modern in Asia. The arrival of the new fleet is a significant step in the flag carrier’s narrow-body fleet strategy.
Vietnam Airlines is the first airline in Vietnam to incorporate industry-leading technology called wireless streaming entertainment, providing an array of movies and music selection that are previously installed on the widebodies Boeing 787 / Airbus 350. Passengers can use personal electronic device (tablets, smartphones, laptops) on flight mode to connect to the onboard network and enjoy complimentary entertainment system. Vietnam Airlines will launch A321neo’s wireless streaming on flights from 1 December 2018.
Qatar Airways adds ultra-modern A380 to its Frankfurt route
Qatar Airways is delighted to announce it will add the state-of-the-art Airbus A380 to one of its two daily services from Doha (DOH) to Frankfurt (FRA) from 31 March 2019.
The move will increase the airline’s current daily capacity on the Doha to Frankfurt route by 23 per cent, as well as offer passengers the option to choose from First Class on board the A380 or its patented, award-winning Qsuite Business Class experience offered on the Boeing 777 aircraft, which will serve the route’s second daily flight.
The A380 aircraft features a luxurious and exclusive First Class Cabin with ultra-wide seats, which recline into a flat bed, two-passenger table extension dining, and designer sleeper suits, flight slippers and amenities. Passengers travelling in Qatar Airways’ award-winning Business Class can also enjoy direct aisle access with the 1-2-1 seat configuration and a suite of entertainment options including on-board Wi-Fi, keeping them fully connected while up in the air.
In addition, passengers in First and Business Class can relax and socialise at the on-board lounge located on the upper deck of the A380 aircraft.
Melbourne and Brisbane locals invited to join Emirates’ Cabin Crew team
Emirates is calling for both Melbourne and Brisbane locals to join its world-class Cabin Crew team as part of its latest recruitment drive. The announcement comes following growth within Emirates’ global route network and continued passenger demand.
Recruiting both men and women for the roles, Melbourne locals interested in joining are welcome to attend the recruitment day on Sunday 25 November at 8am sharp at Oaks on Market Hotel, 60 Market Street Melbourne, 3000.
Brisbane locals interested in joining the Emirates Cabin Crew team are welcome to attend on Thursday 22 November at 8am sharp at Novotel Hotel Brisbane, 200 Creek Street, Brisbane City 4000.
Emirates Cabin Crew members are offered a complete employment package, which includes a variety of premium benefits such as tax-free income, free high standard shared accommodation in Dubai, free transport to and from work, coverage for medical and dental and exclusive discounts on shopping and leisure activities in Dubai. The package also offers attractive concessional travel benefits for employees, their families and friends, available across the airline’s global route network.
British Airways praises customers’ generosity
British Airways has thanked its customers for their unprecedented generosity, raising almost £200,000 during a two-week appeal for the people of Indonesia, led by the DEC, Disasters Emergency Committee.
Customers donated their spare cash on flights last month for people affected by the tsunami, earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in the country. In fourteen days, donations from British Airways’ customers totalled £188,576.
The money is urgently required to help more than 200,000 people who need humanitarian assistance. Ten thousand were injured and 80,000 were displaced and are now sleeping in makeshift shelters following the disaster, in desperate need of food, water and medical care.
Qantas codeshare update with LATAM
Qantas has expanded its codeshare agreement with LATAM to include two new destinations in South America, providing customers more opportunities to earn and redeem Qantas Points and Status Credits on flights from its hub in Santiago.
Qantas has added its code to LATAM-operated double-daily services from Santiago (SCL) to Bogota(BOG) for travel from 1 January 2019. This is the first time Qantas has offered a codeshare service to the destination or the country of Colombia. In addition, Qantas has also added its code to LATAM’s weekly service between Santiago and Guayaquil (GYE) in Ecuador.
The two new destinations are in addition to Qantas’ current codeshare services operated by LATAM toSão Paulo(GRU), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Lima (LIM), Antofagasta (ANF) and Punta Arenas (PUQ).
A dream come true – Air Tahiti Nui’s Tahitian Dreamliner takes flight
Air Tahiti Nui’s first Tahitian Dreamliner has made its inaugural flight from Papeete to Auckland, starting an exciting, new chapter for the French Polynesian flag carrier on the eve of its 20th anniversary.
The first of four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners that the airline is set to receive over the next 12 months, ‘Fakarava’ arrived at Auckland Airport on November 8, 2018, to a celebratory water arch and special Maori welcome.
French Polynesian President Edouard Fritch and Air Tahiti Nui Chief Executive Officer Michel Monvoisin were among those onboard the historic first flight.
Other dignitaries who joined the celebrations at the airport included Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Premier of Niue Sir Toke Talagi and New Zealand’s Minister of Pacific Peoples Aupito Su’a William Sio.
SAA release year-around economy fare
South African Airways have introduced new year-round airfares from Perth to Johannesburg and Perth to Cape Town for low season valid for departure from the 04 January through to 10 December 2019.
Return flights Perth to Johannesburg are $1845 and Perth to Cape Town $1927, including taxes and government charges.
Avianca now operating non-stop service from Munich to the Colombian capital of Bogotá
South America is now a little closer to Munich. Celebrating a big occasion in grand style, Munich Airport marked the launch of Avianca’s new service to Bogotá with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Munich is now the only German destination served non-stop by the Colombian carrier. In attendance at the event were Hernán Rincón, the CEO of Avianca, and Dr. Michael Kerkloh, the President and CEO of Munich Airport.
Avianca will depart from Munich to the Colombian capital five times a week. Passengers flying to Bogotá will benefit from the wide range of connecting flights to attractive Latin American destinations offered by the Star Alliance member Avianca at its home hub. Along with 20 Colombian cities, Avianca flies to 60 other destinations in Latin America, including many in Mexico, the Caribbean and across the South American continent.
Avianca is the world’s second-oldest airline. It will serve the Munich route with the modern, widebody Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner.
Alitalia major announcement
Alitalia is delighted to announce as of the 12th November 2018 we will be paying five per cent commission on all tickets issued on Alitalia plate and flight number (including domestic and intra Europe)!
In addition, Alitalia is proud to acknowledge that we have been named as one of the TOP three airlines in Europe for on-time performance.
We would also like to bring to your attention that we have opened up new Long Haul flights across our network, flying to some wonderful, exotic destinations including Mauritius (commenced 26th October 2018) and the Maldives (commenced 01 November 2018).
In addition to this, we are delighted to advise the reopening of flights to Havana, running flights to Johannesburg during our winter season and increasing our flights to Sao Paulo.
40 per cent jump in fuel price overshadows good progress in revenue and cost efficiency
The SIA Group reported an operating profit of $426 million in the first half of the 2018/19 financial year, a decline of $336 million (-44.1 per cent) from last year’s restated profit of $762 million. Excluding one-off items of $175 million, however, the drop in operating profit would have been $161 million (-27.4 per cent). The decline was a consequence of a $379 million (+20.4 per cent) increase in fuel costs.
Flown revenue for the Group rose by $422 million, contributed by passenger flown revenue (+$346 million) and cargo flown revenue ($76 million). Passenger flown revenue was lifted by an 8.8 per cent increase in traffic, outpacing growth in capacity of 5.4 per cent, driving passenger load factor for the Group airlines in aggregate to rise 2.6 per cent points to 83.6 per cent. Passenger unit revenue (measured in revenue per available seat-kilometres) grew 1.3 per cent as transformation efforts yielded positive results. Cargo flown revenue was $76 million higher on stronger yields, partially offset by lower loads carried.
Revenue contribution from engineering services fell $19 million on lower airframe and fleet management activities. Together with other miscellaneous changes in revenue, and in the absence of non-recurring revenue, Group revenue improved by $195 million to $7,907 million.
Expenditure for the Group increased $531 million to $7,481 million, predominantly led by an increase in net fuel cost (+$379 million or +20.4 per cent). Fuel cost before hedging for the Group rose by $692 million, mainly due to a US$26 per barrel (+39.5 per cent) increase in average jet fuel price, partially alleviated by hedging gains versus losses last year (+$313 million). Ex-fuel costs were $152 million higher, well within the growth in capacity largely contributed by passenger airlines, due to the success of continuing efforts to improve cost efficiency.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air tahiti nui alitalia british airways emirates qantas qatar airways sia south african airways Vietnam AirlinesLatest News
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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!
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Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
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Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 […]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 […]
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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.
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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.
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‘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?
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‘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?
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‘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.
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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!
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‘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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?