Corporate Travel News For South Pacific

Queensland prawn farmers are requesting compensation from Qantas due to toxic firefighting foam which leaked from its hangar into the Brisbane River limiting the available area for the trawlers to operate (9news, 20-Apr-2017). Moreton Bay Seafood Association vice president Michael Wood stated he lost a AUD10,000 (USD7518) order due to fears the river was contaminated. Qantas is yet to comment on any compensation claims.

Auckland International Airport announced (20-Apr-2017) GM airport development & delivery Graham Vincent Matthews disposed of 21,084 Auckland Airport shares. The disposal was due to Mr Matthews ceasing to participate in the airport's Executive Long Term Incentive Plan and the consequential termination of the relevant interest in unvested ordinary shares. [more - original PR]

Virgin Australia commenced (20-Apr-2017) the three month beta testing period of its inflight wireless internet on one of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Passengers travelling on the WiFi enabled aircraft are able to use the service free of charge during the testing period. As previously reported by CAPA, Virgin Australia partnered with inflight connectivity provider Gogo and satellite provider Optus for the service. Virgin Australia Group Executive John Thomas stated "We're looking forward to receiving guest feedback about our inflight connectivity over the next three months to ensure we are able to offer the best possible service in the sky". Virgin Australia will finalise its business model after considering customer feedback and the results of the testing period. [more - original PR]

Virgin Australia announced (20-Apr-2017) plans to ntroduce twice weekly Perth-Canberra service during Parliamentary sitting weeks to cater for increased demand. The new service will be operated by Boeing 737 aircraft, on Thursdays and Sundays each parliamentary sitting week. Services in 2017 are currently on sale, with 2018 dates to be advised once the 2018 Parliamentary sitting calendar is released. [more - original PR]

Destination NSW announced (24-Mar-2017) the NSW Indigenous tourism sector has experienced a 50% increase in participation rates. The announcement coincides with the launch of six new Aboriginal owned and operated tourism businesses in the state. [more - original PR]

Tourism Australia, via its weekly newsletter, stated (19-Apr-2017) Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo MP is leading a business delegation to Japan during the week of 17-Apr-2017 to pursue new commercial opportunities, promote 'brand Australia' and forge new business partnerships. During his visit Minister Ciobo met with tour operator JTB, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways and hosted an event for Tourism Australia's partners. Japan is Australia's sixth largest market for visitor arrivals with 417,000 for the year ending Feb-2017, up 19% year-on-year.

Qantas completed construction on its new lounge at Karratha Airport, scheduled to open in May-2017 (The West Australian, 19-Apr-2017). Karratha Mayor Peter Long stated: "We look forward to an exciting new phase for the airport with new airline lounges being developed, international flights being explored and planning for growth in passenger numbers expected as new resource projects come on line and the local economy diversifies".

Qantas announced change fees would be increasing by up to 45% from 28-Apr-2017 (finder.com.au, 19-Apr-2017). The new fees apply for all classes and booking types depending on the route and class.

Queensland Government announced (19-Apr-2017) the launch of twice weekly Mount Isa-Karumba-Cairns service under a three month trial on the regulated air route. Assistant Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Glenn Butcher stated the trial would see if regular services were viable and determine if demand can support permanent operations. Regional Express (Rex) will operate 34 seat Saab 340 B Plus aircraft on the route until 29-Jun-2017.

Virgin Australia confirmed four agencies remain in the pitch for the carrier's creative account (Mumbrella, 19-Apr-2017). DDB, M&C Saatchi, TBWA Sydney and Clemenger BBDO Sydney, are believed to still be involved in the creative pitch. Virgin Australia CMO Inese Kingsmill stated customer experience was at the core of the creative brief for the four advertising agencies.