Corporate Travel News For South Pacific

Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon said he believes Emirates' suspension of A380 Sydney-Auckland service from 13-Jul-2017 was not surprising and a clear response to a fall in demand (NZ Herald, 18-Jun-2017). Mr Luxon agreed that once nonstop Auckland-Dubai service was introduced for those transiting through to Europe, customers were moving to that and demand for Auckland-Sydney reduced considerably.

Aircalin advised it has until the end of Jul-2017 to validate a transaction with Airbus to purchase two A320s and two new generation A330 long haul aircraft (France Info, 14-Jun-2017). The fleet renewal is estimated to require XFP41.5 billion (USD0.4 billion) and was originally to be confirmed by 30-Jun-2017. Airbus has extended the deadline to 31-Jul-2017 to assist Aircalin complete negotiations.

Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) supported the Commonwealth Ports Authority's suspension of new international services to the Northern Mariana Islands for 60 days (Saipan Tribune, 15-Jun-2017). The suspension has been implemented to allow the Government improve infrastructure to handle the influx of more tourists. MVA MD Chris Concepcion stated: "The MVA understands the position that the governor and Commonwealth Ports Authority had to take in implementing this 60 day moratorium on any new flights from new airlines to the Northern Mariana Islands".

Capital Airport Group revealed (13-Jun-2017) the design of the upcoming Vibe Hotel at Canberra Airport. The hotel will feature a gleaming glass exterior and axial design at the heart of a full-height atrium. Capital Airport Group head of property Richard Snow stated Vibe Hotel would be the "gateway building" at the entry of the terminal precinct, it will "bring together the terminal precinct and the adjacent business park as a social hub to mesh the two uses". [more - original PR]

Cebu Pacific Air reported (16-Jun-2017) 43,512 passengers between Manila and Sydney in 1Q2017, representing a 42% market share, according to data from Australia's Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics. Total traffic on the route increased 7% year-on-year to 104,446 passengers and Cebu Pacific passenger numbers increased 16%. The airline recorded average load factor of 78% on the route. Cebu Pacific accounts for close to 40% of total seat capacity between Manila and Sydney. The carrier's cargo traffic reached 1131 tons, representing 49% of the total 2325 tons, up from 1567 tons in 1Q2016. Cebu Pacific VP for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said: "These numbers do not only showcase the Philippines as a flourishing destination, but it also shows our strong commitment to remain and further stimulate our key market in Australia". [more - original PR]

Australia's Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) urged (16-Jun-2017) the NSW Government to increase investment in tourism and transport in the 2017/18 State Budget. TTF CEO Margy Osmond stated with continued targeted investment by the Berijiklian Government, tourism will remain a super-growth industry and ensure that NSW remains a great place to live and to visit into the future. Ms Osmond urged the Berijiklian Government to also invest in critical road and public transport infrastructure projects and increase transport services across NSW. [more - original PR]

Tigerair Australia launched (16-Jun-2017) its new Tiger Bites winter inflight menu known 'Street Eats At 30,000 Feet'. Tigerair Australia head of communications Vanessa Regan stated the new menu is designed with value and choice in mind. The new winter menu is available now on all Tigerair services. [more - original PR]

China Airlines announced (16-Jun-2017) plans to increase frequency on Taipei-Brisbane-Auckland route to a daily from Dec-2017. China Airlines has flown to Brisbane Airport since 2003, from its home hub of Taipei, and currently offers four times weekly service between Taipei-Brisbane-Auckland. China Airlines GM Brisbane Branch Ray Chang stated the boosted schedule reconfirmed China Airline's ongoing commitment to Queensland. Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO and MD Julieanne Alroe welcomed the announcement stating the additional services would meet growing demand on the route. [more - original PR]

Cairns Airport reported international traffic increased 9.5% year-on-year during May-2017 (Cairns Post, 16-Jun-2017). CEO Norris Carter stated the growth was due to high capacity on Hong Kong Airlines' service, that recorded a 164% increase. Jetstar's Bali service also reported 47% increase in passenger traffic during the month.

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport plans to invest AUD10 billion (USD7.6 billion) in infrastructure upgrades between 2014-2033 (TTG Asia, 15-Jun-2017). The airport recently completed terminal 4 enhancements, will be adding eight baggage carousels at the international terminal and complete the delivery of T2 luxury precinct "in coming months".