Corporate Travel Analysis Reports For South Pacific

New Caledonia's Aircalin is preparing to renew its entire jet fleet following orders for A330-900neos and A320neos. The small Pacific island carrier will use the new generation aircraft to improve its product and add capacity across its network, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Japan and other Pacific islands.

As we reach the end of the week our thoughts turn to our plans for the weekend and those couple of valuable days where we can switch off from the stresses and strains of work. The growing low cost airline revolution across the world has meant an increasing number of people are getting away from it all by enjoying international weekend breaks. But, which destinations are the best to visit for these short breaks? Well, a study by Düsseldorf-based weekenGO.com, a digital platform from "a team of travel experts, technology all-rounders, and smartphone junkies" shows that Europe leads the way.

Airline sales and distribution practices are evolving at a mind numbing rate. Apps are being developed that utilise the power of artificial intelligence combined with constantly adaptive robots, chatbots; payment models are being developed that will reshape the way we think of money; and, in the ever vital realm of distribution, there is almost a state of war. Never in the history of the industry have so many moving pieces been under stress to adapt to a combination of new demands and technological advances.

Catch up on some of the most thought-provoking discussions and keynotes from the 2017 CAPA-ACTE New Zealand Aviation and Corporate Travel Summit in Auckland. Below is a snap shot of key quotes from some of our honoured guests in attendance to discuss what is affecting the industry in this part of the world.

A host of new apps and techniques are being developed across the spectrum of retailing, payments and generally controlling customer behaviour - or at least offering an array of attractive alternatives. These increasingly include Artificial Intelligence and chatbots, in ways that transform one-on-one communication with customers.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is expected to upgrade its business class product in the Australia market as it takes delivery of new 787-10 aircraft.

Last week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its latest World Economic Outlook. Overall, the IMF suggests that the 'global upswing in economic activity is strengthening' and it forecasts global GDP growth of 3.7-3.8% per year over its 5-year horizon. The outlook for emerging markets is stronger than for the advanced economies, with growth lifting to 5% in the former, but easing slightly to 1.7% in the latter. In the near-term, broad-based upward revisions in the euro area, Japan, emerging Asia, emerging Europe and Russia more than offset downward revisions for the US and UK.

The death warrant for global alliances is routinely issued. It takes only a squabble between members or one airline's partnership with a member outside the alliance to see the entire value of global alliances come into question, with a prediction of collapse, disbandment and obliteration. Yet in reality, reports of their demise have been greatly exaggerated; global alliances have been busy creating a new life.

As passenger numbers are on the rise around the world, and airports are reporting being at or near capacity, how can the industry hope to grow to meet demand when space is at a premium? The only real answer has to lie in our existing infrastructure - utilising the space that we already have to better effect in order to increase the capacity of some of the world's busiest airports.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel has released its top tips for making important savings to any businesses corporate travel programme. CWT believe there are a few simple ways to keep costs down without compromising on traveller safety or services.