Corporate Travel News For South Pacific

Australia's Federal Government committed (09-May-2017) AUD5.3 billion (USD3.9 billion) over the next 10 years towards the development of Western Sydney Airport. The government plans to establish a government-owned company with strong private sector expertise in FY2017/18 to manage the development process and ensure it is operational by 2026. Expected to be the second international airport in Sydney, the airport is forecast to deliver net long-term benefits to the Australian economy with a return of AUD1.80 for every AUD1 invested. The government will invest AUD73.2 million (USD53.8 million) on planning and site preparatory works in FY2017/18 and expects to spend a total of AUD115 million (USD84.5 million) for site preparation. Tender for early works will be issued in late 2017. [more - original PR]

Auckland Airport released (09-May-2017) new research highlighting that New Zealand is rapidly becoming a sought after, premium destination for high value free independent travellers from India. The report shows the number of Indian visitors arriving in New Zealand has increased 79% over the past five years, with 53,424 visitors arriving in the country in the year ending Feb-2017. Auckland Airport acting aeronautical commercial GM Scott Tasker stated despite the lack of a direct flight connection to New Zealand and it being relatively distant compared to other choices, "Indian visitors are increasingly viewing New Zealand as a hot destination, particularly those who have high discretionary incomes and are looking for something different". [more - original PR]

Fiji Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said boosting tourism for the country requires partnering with its neighbours to attract more development (Fiji Times Online, 09-May-2017). Mr Sayed-Khaiyum stated: "There is a very big case for regionalism in tourism and we need to make a concerted effort in this area". Partnerships with organisations such as Fiji Airways, to develop the Singapore route, plus a new codesharing arrangement with India's Jet Airways opened up new markets for visitors who would not only visit Fiji but other island nations.

Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) responded (09-May-2017) to the 2017 Federal Government Budget believing it will jeopardise the growth of Australia's visitor economy and put at risk the ability of the tourism sector to become one of the nation's largest employment sectors. TTF CEO Margy Osmond stated: "Instead of recognising the tourism sector as the next super-growth sector, the Government has removed AUD35 million (USD25.7 million) out of Tourism Australia over the next four years, and in the process put tourism jobs at immediate risk across the country". TTF have praised the commitment of AUD5.3 billion (USD3.9 billion) over ten years to begin construction of the Western Sydney Airport. [more - original PR]

Auckland Airport acting GM aeronautical commercial Scott Tasker commented (09-May-2017) on the need for increased capacity between North America and New Zealand after market modelling undertaken by the airport showed "both the USA and Canada continue to be underserved by airline capacity by roughly a third of the total market demand potential". Mr Tasker credited increased competition, greater airline capacity, lower airfares and better connectivity for the 25% growth in high value North American tourist arrivals to New Zealand since Jul-2016 but said there is still untapped demand and "potential to continue to grow inbound visitors from North America". [more - original PR]

Qantas revealed details of its new international wing and transit lounge at Perth Airport (Perth Now, 09-May-2017). The facility is being proposed for the southern end of the airport's Terminal T4 and will include an outdoor patio, a barbecue grill, Neil Perry designed barbecue menu, streamlined immigration and customs area, food and beverage outlets and a duty free store. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said all services would operate from the combined precinct allowing customers to transfer from domestic to international services without changing terminals. The transit lounge will also feature shower suites and a wellness facility.

Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester stated (08-May-2017) plans by the Fiji and Australia Governments to update the countries air services agreement could substantially generate increased tourism and trade opportunities. Mr Chester stated increasing passenger and freight capacity on the route will allow carriers to capitalise on the significant trade and investment relationship between Australia and Fiji, valued at over AUD4.2 billion (USD3.1 billion) in 2015-16. [more - original PR]

Fiji Airways welcomed (08-May-2017) plans by the Fiji and Australia Governments to update the countries air services agreement to allow for increased passenger and freight capacity between the two countries. Fiji Airways executive GM corporate affairs Shaenaz Voss stated: "Fiji Airways is committed to expanding its network and growing the number of visitors to Fiji. Australia is a vital destination in our network and this is a significant step forward, providing more travel opportunities for Fijians and Australians". [more - original PR]

Fiji and Australia governments released (08-May-2017) plans to update the Fiji-Australia air services agreement and increase passenger and freight capacity between the two countries. Fiji Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Sharvada Sharma stated the governments agreed to an additional entitlement of 500 seats per week for each country, which will provide for an extra 1000 seats per week in the market, and to double the freight capacity from 70 to 140 tonnes per week for each country. Australia's Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development acting executive director Stephen Borthwick stated the discussions built on the close aviation relationship between Fiji and Australia and will provide additional opportunities for carriers to strengthen business and tourism links between the two countries. [more - original PR]

Air China filed (05-May-2017) an application with CAAC to launch three times weekly Beijing-Brisbane service with A330-200 aircraft from Oct-2017. [more - original PR - Chinese]