Corporate Travel News For South Pacific

Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) recommended (02-Jun-2017) the ACT Government invest in destination marketing and transport infrastructure to drive the territory's continued growth and support its ambition to become one of the world's most liveable and competitive cities. TTF CEO Margy Osmond stated "the 2017/18 ACT Budget must contain continued investment in destination marketing, as well as support for major events such as Floriade and the National Folk Festival, will continue to lead to significant growth of the ACT tourism industry. Tourism has become increasingly important to the ACT, directly contributing around AUD1 billion to the ACT economy and employing more than 10,000 people. [more - original PR]

Brisbane Airport launched (05-Jun-2017) a fleet of 11 electric buses to operate on its free shuttle bus service between terminals and Skygate. The airport awarded Carbridge the AUD5 million (USD3.7 million) p/a contract to build, operate and maintain the bus fleet following a competitive tender process. The contract lasts five years from 01-Jul-2017, with the electric fleet scheduled to commence full operation in Feb-2018. Airport head of parking and transport services Martin Ryan explained said the bus fleet will be "super quiet and environmentally clean, having reduced noise pollution and zero tail pipe emissions", cutting CO2 emissions by 250 tonnes p/a, "equivalent to taking 100 cars off the road". [more - original PR]

Fiji Airways highlighted Fiji's presidency at the 23rd Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change by launching four A330s and five Boeing 737 aircraft showcasing the COP23 logo (Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, 04-Jun-2017). Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljeon stated the logo would be seen on the aircraft in 11 countries and at some of the world's busiest airports such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama announced the plans to showcase the logo in Apr-2017.

New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English announced a NZD7.3 million (USD5.2 million) boost to Samoan tourism (Samoa Observer, 02-Jun-2017). Mr English stated: "New Zealand and Samoa have deep and extensive ties and helping Samoa to develop its tourism industry is a way to further strengthen relations between our countries". The funding is expected to be used to promote Samoa as a tourist destination, provide additional training to tourism workers, and upgrade tourism sites and attractions on the main islands of Savai'i and Upolu.

Alliance Airlines announced (05-Jun-2017) is signed a contract to provide aerodrome management and ground handling services for CITIC Pacific Mining for the Cape Preston Aerodrome facility. Alliance CEO Lee Schofield stated this is now the second airport management contract that Alliance has secured in the last 18 months and further enhances the organisations ability to provide a total aviation solution for clients. [more - original PR]

Virgin Australia Group welcomed (02-Jun-2017) the draft decision of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to authorise Virgin Australia's proposed strategic alliance with HNA Aviation, Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express. This decision follows the ACCC's decision to grant interim authorisation for the alliance in Mar-2017. The proposed alliance will enable Virgin Australia to introduce new direct services between Australia and Hong Kong as well as Australia and China. The carrier also plan to introduce a reciprocal partnership between Velocity Frequent Flyer and Fortune Wings Club to offer guests opportunities to earn points and access lounges. Virgin Australia Group CEO John Borghetti stated: "This new alliance will provide significantly more competition and choice for travellers. When the alliance is in place, guests will enjoy an expanded network of destinations across Australia, mainland China and Hong Kong". [more - original PR]

Qantas and LATAM Brazil announced (02-Jun-2017) a new codeshare agreement, providing more opportunities for each carrier's customers to earn and redeem points. From 05-Jun-2017, Qantas will add its code to a number of LATAM Brazil's nonstop services for Santiago-Sao Paulo and Santiago-Rio de Janeiro. The new services are in addition to Qantas' existing codeshare arrangements on LATAM Chile service Santiago-Sao Paulo. Qantas currently operates four nonstop frequencies per week between Sydney-Santiago. [more - original PR]

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued (02-Jun-2017) a draft determination proposing to grant conditional authorisation to Virgin Australia, the HNA Group, Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express Airways to coordinate international passenger transport services between Australia and mainland China, and Australia and Hong Kong. On 17-Feb-2017, the carriers lodged a request for authorisations A91575 and A91576 with the ACCC under subsection 88(1A) and 88(1) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The request was seeking authorisation for a minimum of ten years however the ACCC has proposed to grant authorisation for five years. [more - original PR]

Tourism New Zealand announced (01-Jun-2017) since 2013 it has secured business events that delivered over NZD310 million (USD219.7 million) to the New Zealand economy. Tourism New Zealand director trade, PR and major events René de Monchy stated: "We are really pleased with the significant return on investment we have made with the support of the New Zealand business events industry". In Budget 2013 the NZ Government invested NZD34 million (USD24.1 million) with Tourism New Zealand for the purpose of attracting meetings, incentives and conferences. [more - original PR]

Air New Zealand delayed (01-Jun-2017) delivery of its first A320neo aircraft to 2H2018. The first A320neo is expected to enter the fleet in Jul-2018, followed in Sep-2018 by the first A321neo. Six of the remaining A320neos will be delivered by Jun-2019, and an additional two in 2020. [more - original PR]