Corporate Travel News For South Pacific

Shell Aviation Australia owner, Viva Energy, CEO Scott Wyatt stated the company is looking to expand "jet fuel storage and pipeline capacity" at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and securing a position at the proposed Western Sydney Airport (Australian Aviation, 01-Jun-2017). As previously reported by CAPA, Viva Energy completed acquisition of Shell Aviation Australia on 31-May-2017 at the price of USD250 million. Mr Wyatt said: "Australian airlines and regional airports need fuel suppliers who have a national supply chain, provide reliable service, and are prepared to invest in infrastructure to help them grow".

Qantas Airways Limited shares reached a nine year high of AUD5.09 (USD3.8) on 01-Jun-2017 (ASX, 01-Jun-2017).

SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, is expected to conduct a 12 month trial of nonstop Singapore-Karratha service(ABC, 01-Jun-2017). The first service is expected in Mar-2018. City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long stated: Further work would now be required to ensure the airport was up to the necessary standards. International services require Border Force and customs facilities built into the airport to accommodate them".

Regional Express (Rex) announced (01-Jun-2017) a revision of financial results of the first 10 months of FY2017 at its Board meeting on 01-Jun-2017. In the earlier guidance, the Board expressed confidence that the full year results would achieve similar improvements as occurred in H1FY2017 (88% improvement in operational Profit After Tax). Since then, the Group has experienced a steady improvement in trading conditions and the Board is now confident that the full year operational Profit After Tax will improve in excess of 250% year on year. [more - original PR]

Rotuma Island Airport commenced a FJD13 million (USD6 million) runway extension project on 01-Jun-2017, to allow it to accommodate larger aircraft such as ATR 72s (Fiji Times/Fiji Sun, 02-Jun-2017). Airports Fiji Ltd executive chairman Faiz Khan said: "One can only envision the transformation this will have for Rotuma" by having regular air service with capacity for 70 passengers, "It's going to open up other developments like tourism and export". The project is scheduled to complete in Mar-2018. Fiji Link operates regular Twin Otter service from the airport with capacity for 5-7 passengers per trip, depending on weight and weather condition.

Fiji Airways completed (01-Jun-2017) the installation of over 4000 ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tags throughout its entire fleet of 15 aircraft. One of the first of the Oceanian airlines to utilise this technology, Fiji Airways intends to improve in-cabin inspections for onboard emergency equipment such as life vests, life rafts, oxygen bottles, and fire extinguishers. Fiji Airways MD and CEO Andre Viljoen stated "by utilising EAM's RFID technology, we can inspect hundreds of items on each plane within minutes, enhancing internal efficiencies and decreasing ground time. These enhancements allow us to continue our relentless focus on safety and operational excellence". [more - original PR]

Qantas and Jetstar announced (01-Jun-2017) a long term component pooling services agreement with Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) to support its fleet of Boeing 787s. This brings the total number of 787 customer airlines contracted by AFI KLM E&M to 15. The contract covers pool access and repairs and applies to a total fleet of eight 787-9s to be operated by Qantas, and the 11 787-8s in service with Jetstar. Qantas executive manager engineering Chris Nassenstein stated: "We are pleased to award AFI KLM E&M the 787 Component Pooling Contract. As a long term supplier with a proven track record in supporting our A330 and A380 fleets we look forward to increasing our successful business relationship which is key to the On-Time Performance and operational efficiency of our fleets". [more - original PR]

Melbourne Airport welcomed (01-Jun-2017) China Southern Airlines' three times weekly Shenzhen-Melbourne service, operated with A330-200 aircraft, on 01-Jun-2017. China Southern operates the largest number of seats to China from Melbourne Airport. [more - original PR]

Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) praised (31-May-2017) the NSW Government's commitment to addressing overcrowding on the Blue Mountains train line in order to improve the visitor experience. TTF CEO Margy Osmond welcomed the announcement to deliver 24 new express weekend services between Sydney and the Blue Mountains and double capacity on six current services with new dedicated eight car express tourist trains. [more - original PR]

Shell completed (31-May-2017) the sale of Shell Aviation Australia to Viva Energy Australia for approximately USD250 million, including working capital. The agreement was first announced on 19-Dec-2016. Viva Energy will retain Shell's brand across all aviation refuelling network in Australia. [more - original PR]