Corporate Travel News

Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority announced (16-Oct-2017) immediate measures towards implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision and establishment of a single African air transport market, including the following:

• 23 bilateral air services agreements, including fifth freedom traffic rights, signed and initialed with other African countries;
• Notified the African Civil Aviation Commission of the designation of RwandAir for international services for consideration under the eligibility criteria of the Yamoussoukro Decision;
• Representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority and RwandAir designated to constitute the national implementation committee. [more - original PR]

Auckland Airport issued (17-Oct-2017) 100 million securities of nominal value NZD100 million (USD71.8 million) on 17-Oct-2017. The securities will be quoted on the NZX Debt Market from 18-Oct-2017. The fixed rate bonds were issued to raise funds for general corporate purposes. [more - original PR]

Tourism Australia reported (17-Oct-2017) visitor arrivals to Australia for Aug-2017. Details include:

• Visitor arrivals: 702,800, +11.2% year-on-year;
  • China: 116,300, +23.2%;
  • New Zealand: 115,800, +3.3%;
  • US: 49,900, -0.8%;
  • UK: 37,500, -4.6%;
  • Singapore: 36,600, +19.2%. [more - original PR]

Qantas and SG Preston announced (16-Oct-2017) that SG Preston will begin supplying Qantas with eight million gallons of sustainable alternative jet fuel (SAJF) p/a over ten years from 2020. The fuel will be used for Qantas services to Australia departing from Los Angeles International Airport as a 50/50 blend of non-edible plant oil-based SAJF and petroleum-based jet fuel. Qantas states that their agreement is the first for an Australian airline. [more - original PR]

Tourism Fiji stated (17-Oct-2017) it is seeking a destination representation company to lead marketing and promotional activities in Japan. The representation company will be responsible for developing the marketing strategy for Japan and will manage the implementation of marketing and promotional activities within the market. A core focus of the engagement will be day-to-day engagement with trade and industry partners. Support is also required from the representation company with marketing, PR, event management and administration. Bids are due by 27-Oct-2018 [more - original PR]

Etihad Airways plans to reduce Abu Dhabi-Los Angeles frequency from daily to five times weekly, effective 15-Jan-2018 to 30-Apr-2018, according to a 16-Oct-2017 GDS display. The airline will replace Boeing 777-200LR with 777-300ER equipment on the service during the same period.

Oman Air announced (16-Oct-2017) the board accepted the resignation of CEO Paul Gregorowitsch. EVP for products and brand development Abdulaziz Saud AlRaisi will serve as acting CEO, effective immediately, until a permanent replacement is announced. [more - original PR]

easyJet submitted (16-Oct-2017) an expression of interest in certain assets of a restructured Alitalia, "consistent with easyJet's existing strategy for Italy". easyJet stated the content of the expression of interest is subject to confidentiality and there is no certainty that any transaction will proceed. [more - original PR]

Airservices Australia rejected calls from United Firefighters Union to release records related to the use of foams used at airports containing toxic chemicals (Canberra Times, 16-Oct-2017). The request comes amid ongoing controversy about contamination from foam widely used at 26 airports in Australia between 1980 and 2003 which contain polyfluoroalkyl substances. Union aviation branch secretary Henry Lawrence said Airservices Australia had blocked requests for information on the nature and extent of PFAS contamination and the risks posed to aviation firefighters and the community. "Airservices must understand that the time for obfuscation has passed. It's time to come clean on PFAS contamination", he said.

Alliance Air stated it is "still evaluating the possibility of flying to Moranbah in the future", adding: "The airline doesn't currently have any scheduled flights to Moranbah" (Daily Mercury, 17-Oct-2017). The carrier, in May-2017, stated it would take over four Virgin Australia routes on 16-Jul-2017, with all but the Moranbah service subsequently launched.