Corporate Travel News For South Pacific

New Zealand Airports Association (NZ Airports) proposed a regional airports funding programme supported by local and national government to offer financial support to maintain infrastructure (Stuff/Radio NZ, 26-Jul-2017). The association noted 12 regional airports require NZD32 million (USD23.7 million) over the next five years to address critical repairs. NZ Airports CEO Kevin Ward stated these airports are not commercially viable and therefore have been retracted by large airlines and Airways New Zealand: "The way these two make their business decisions is going to determine the future for the whole sector and really that may not be in the regional or national interest". NZ Airports estimates once all airports are up to standard, they will require NZD5.2 million (USD3.8 million) p/a for ongoing maintenance. The 12 airports include Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Whangarei, Whakatane, Gisborne, Taupo, Whanganui, Masterton, Timaru, Westport, Hokitika and the Chatham Islands.

CAPA - Centre for Aviation stated (25-Jul-2017) Virgin Australia received a new Boeing 737-800 (VH-YFY; serial number 41016), as recorded by the CAPA Fleet Database. The carrier operates 76 aircraft of the type with two remaining on order.

WA Government Economics and Industry Standing Committee announced a public hearing into regional airfares in WA will be held in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on 31-Aug-2017 (The West Australian, 25-Jul-2017). The hearing will allow members of the community to express opinions regarding airfare costs associated with regional WA. As noted on the Standing Committee's website, the Committee will report to the House on the wider matter of airfare prices on regular public transport air routes in regional Western Australia by 28-Nov-2017.

Batik Air president director Achmad Luthfie said the airline plans to commence Denpasar-Sydney service with A330 equipment in Dec-2017 (Harian Nasional, 24/25-Jul-2017). The airline also aims to commence Denpasar-Melbourne service. Batik Air will receive one of three A330s to be delivered to Lion Air Group in 2017, with the other two to be allocated to Malindo Air.

Sydney Airport, via its official Facebook page, released (24-Jul-2017) images of Qantas' Boeing 747 named 'Gosford' landing in Sydney for the final time. On 30-Jul-2017, the aircraft is set complete its final service Sydney-San Francisco before being retired in Mojave Air and Space Port, California.

Cebu Pacific Air confirmed (24-Jul-2017) plans to increase Manila-Sydney frequency to daily, effective 01-Dec-2017, "on the back of robust demand for frequency". The additional frequencies will increase cargo capacity for exports from Australia to the Philippines and onward to China, Dubai, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. The airline is the only LCC on the route, operating up to five times weekly and holding the largest market share for passengers and cargo. VP for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said: "Cebu Pacific continues to remain bullish over prospects in the Australia market". [more - original PR]

Australia Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester released (24-Jul-2017) the latest corporate plan for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The plan continues CASA's focus on safety as its highest priority and sets out the aviation safety regulator's responsibilities. Mr Chester stated: "The 2017-18 CASA corporate plan is a strong blueprint for the future of aviation safety regulation in Australia to help maintain our record of having one of the safest skies in the world". The overarching objective will be to create an efficient, simple and accessible experience for the people and organisations in aviation that conduct regulatory business with CASA. Other specific initiatives include a review of the safety regulatory strategy for remotely piloted aircraft systems, commencing implementation of the final tranche of regulatory reform, and continuing the implementation of the Government's response to the Aviation Safety Regulatory Review. [more - original PR]

Samoa Airways and Fiji Airways signed (24-Jul-2017) a MoU to jointly pursue a range of commercial opportunities and partnerships. Under the proposed partnership, Fiji Airways will provide initial support to Samoa Airways to help launch international services on the Apia-Auckland and Apia-Sydney routes through the use of its established infrastructure in sales, commercial, operations and maintenance. Fiji Airways MD and CEO Andre Viljoen stated: "The proposed commercial partnership between Samoa Airways and Fiji Airways is another extension of the already close relationship Fiji Airways continues to enjoy with the Government of Samoa in terms of promoting improved air access into Samoa from other markets outside of New Zealand and Australia". Polynesian Airlines board chairman Feesago Siaosi Fepuleai confirmed that with the signing of the MoU, separate commercial and operations agreements are now being negotiated between the two airlines which will form part of the overall Pacific Partnership Alliance Agreement between Samoa Airways and Fiji Airways. [more - original PR]

Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) signed (24-Jul-2017) an MoU with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to access safety audit reports. CASA will use the IOSA information to complement the existing oversight and surveillance of foreign airlines. It will also be used as part of the assessment process for new foreign carriers seeking authorisation to operate to Australia. CASA acting CEO and director of aviation Graeme Crawford stated: "Australia was the first nation in the Asia-Pacific region to use IOSA as part of the safety oversight of airlines. The use of the information will benefit airlines as it will make CASA's surveillance and audits even more efficient and effective". [more - original PR]

Fiji Airways, via its official website, announced (24-Jul-2017) a new programme allowing economy class customers to bid for upgrades to business class on international services. The programme, named Bula Bid, allows customers to bid for an upgrade between seven days and 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.