Corporate Travel News For South Pacific

Air New Zealand plans to introduce a newly refurbished Boeing 777-300ER for five Auckland services during the peak season from 01-Jun-2017 to 05-Sep-2017 (Routes Online, 15-May-2017). The 777-300ER configuration will include 44 business class, 54 premium economy and 244 in economy.

New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) reduced the expected forecast of Chinese tourist spending by 30% year on year, due to "geopolitical risk" (Bloomberg, 15-May-2017). As previously reported by CAPA, the forecast released by the MBIE identified spending from Chinese visitors will reach NZD4.3 billion (USD3 billion) annually by 2023, with visitor numbers expected to reach just under one million per year by the end of the forecast period. China is expected to contribute to 37% of total international visitor growth from 2016 to 2023, and 51% of total visitor spending. [more - original PR]

Jetstar introduced additional fees for customers travelling with babies under the age of two years old on their laps during domestic and international services (News.com.au, 16-May-2017). From 15-May-2017, customers are required to pay AUD30 (USD22.3) one-way for infants on domestic Australian services and AUD50 (USD37.1) on international services. Jetstar stated introducing the charges brought Jetstar into line with its low-cost competitor Tigerair. Jetstar's infant fee includes an allowance for up to four oversized infant items, such as prams or strollers.

Tourism Australia launched (15-May-2017) the 2017 Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE17) in Sydney, bringing together over 2500 travel industry delegates from more than 30 countries. The event includes 700 travel wholesalers and retailers from 548 companies within Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Continental Europe and the UK. Tourism Australia is working with host-state partner, Destination New South Wales and supported by airline partners Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways to deliver ATE17. Tourism Australia MD John O'Sullivan stated "the economic impact of ATE is significant and will directly help to bolster Australia's inbound tourism sector, which is already experiencing record growth in international visitor numbers as they exceed more than eight million in 2016 and AUD39 billion (USD29 billion) in visitor expenditure". [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]

Wellington Airport and Airways New Zealand (Airways NZ) installed (16-May-2017) the control cab roof structure on the airport's new air traffic control tower, which will become the main operational centre upon completion, providing 360-degree views of the airfield. Airways NZ CEO Ed Sims stated the tower is "taking its final shape" and is now at its final height of 32m. With the cab roof in place, works will commence to clad the tower with folded aluminium panels on the east and west side, while the north and south sides will feature glass facades. The tower is constructed with 13 base isolators within the building's foundations to provide a higher level of resilience against earthquakes. Construction on the NZD18 million (USD12 million) project is scheduled to complete in late 2017.[more - original PR]

JetGo confirmed it is considering introducing Melbourne-Hervey Bay services as of Jul-2017 (The Queensland Times, 15-May-2017). JetGo MD Paul Bredereck said while nothing had been officially confirmed, the carrier was looking at its options to come to the Fraser Coast.

Northrop Grumman Corporation announced (15-May-2017) an investment of AUD50 million (USD37.1 million) to develop an advanced defence electronics maintenance and sustainment centre located in Western Sydney. The centre will be located at Badgerys Creek, where Northrop Grumman will be the anchor tenant for an advanced aerospace and defence industries precinct. Northrop Grumman Australia CEO Ian Irving stated: "This investment in a new centre of excellence is the next step in our partnership with the Australian Defence Force, helping to ensure regional security and mission success". This new centre will support advanced electronics such as communications equipment, electronic warfare equipment and targeting pods. [more - original PR]

Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo, via his personal Twitter account, stated (15-May-2017) Tourism Australia ambassador Chris Hemsworth has generated 4500 media articles over the past year in the role, worth an estimated AUD137.6 million (USD101.7 million).

Moody's Investor Service announced (15-May-2017) the upgrade of the issuer, senior unsecured debt and backed senior unsecured bank credit facility ratings of Qantas Airways Ltd from Baa3 to Baa2. Moody's VP - senior credit officer Ian Chitterer stated: "While we expect Qantas' credit metrics to remain fairly stable for the next 12-18 months, the upgrade reflects our greater focus on qualitative factors. This includes the unique traits of the Australian continent and airline market, Qantas Group's strong domestic position, and diversification provided by the loyalty programme". [more - original PR]

Sydney Airport stated (15-May-2017) its five year ground access improvement programme is due to complete one year ahead of schedule in late 2017. The programme aims to enhance travel experience to and from the airport by improving public transport options, access roads and pick up/drop off facilities. Remaining projects due for completion by the end of 2017 include:

• Elevated shared cycle/pedestrian path from the Alexandra Canal cycleway to provide access over roads and car parks into P7 at T1;
• New dedicated exit road for Departures Road/Arrivals Court to Airport Drive at T1 to streamline traffic movement;
• New flyover from Airport Drive into the T1 precinct to eliminate traffic weaving;
• Additional lane on Qantas Drive at T2/T3 to provide more capacity for traffic exiting the precinct. [more - original PR]