Corporate Travel News

Global Ghana Airlines, via its official Facebook account, stated (18-Aug-2017) it plans to commence nonstop Chicago O'Hare-Accra service on 01-Nov-2017. According to its official website, the airline was founded in 2016 and intends to operate daily Accra service.

Norwegian Group announced plans to test the feasibility of operating the Boeing 737 MAX on trans Atlantic services between Cork to Stewart once "we learn more about the aircraft's operational capabilities" (Irish Examiner, 24-Aug-2017). As previously reported by CAPA, CEO Bjørn Kjos is concerned a fully loaded 737 MAX might not be able to take off from Cork Airport's 2133m runway, however he is hoping the aircraft will perform better than projections. The carrier is currently operating two 737 MAXs on "selected transatlantic routes from Dublin and Edinburgh" and is awaiting approval to operate the other four 737 MAXs.

India's Ambassador to Portugal Nandini Singla stressed (22-Aug-2017) the need to improve tourism ties between Goa and Portugal. She also informed Goa Tourism that she would be initiating talks with Air India to explore possibilities of direct service from Lisbon to India, subject to commercial viability. [more - original PR]

Samoa Airways, via its official Facebook account, outlined (24-Aug-2017) the planned launch of operations and initial schedule. The carrier plans to launch Apia-Auckland service from 14-Nov-2017, operating six times weekly, and Apia-Sydney service, operating twice weekly from 17-Nov-2017. The schedule still requires regulatory approval. All flights will be operated using a 170 seat Boeing 737-800 with eight seats in business class and 162 seats in economy. Services are expected to open for bookings soon.

Qantas Airways Group announced (25-Aug-2017) it is investigating nonstop services from the east coast of Australia to London and New York by 2022. The carrier stated a "challenge has been given to Airbus and Boeing to give their next generation aircraft currently under development - the A350ULR for Airbus and Boeing's 777X - the range to make these nonstop flights possible with a full passenger load". Qantas stated a nonstop service would cut total journey time by up to four hours for Sydney-London and almost three hours for Melbourne-New York. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce commented that the carrier's planned Perth-London service, due to commence in Mar-2017 "is a huge leap forward" and the airline believes that "advances in technology in the next few years will make Sydney to London direct a possibility and Qantas is well placed to be the airline to do it". Mr Joyce cautioned that "any aircraft purchase would have to meet strict financial thresholds", but believes direct services "would be revolutionary for air travel in Australia." [more - original PR]

Air New Zealand announced (25-Aug-2017) it will launch its first ever global brand campaign 'A Better Way to Fly to New Zealand', in the US. The carrier will then roll out the campaign progressively across the UK, Europe, Asia and South America in the coming months. The campaign follows the success of a similar marketing approach launched in Australia in 2016. [more - original PR]

Viking Air confirmed (24-Aug-2017) an order with Fiji Airways for three Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft for use as regional commuter aircraft on domestic routes. An option for one additional aircraft has also been announced. The firm orders are scheduled for delivery between Oct-2017 and Feb-2018, and will be added to Fiji Airways' existing fleet of three legacy Twin Otter aircraft based at Nadi International Airport. The Series 400 Twin Otters will be delivered as standard land planes in 19 passenger configuration, and equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turbine engines and Honeywell Primus Apex fully integrated digital IFR avionics suite. [more - original PR]

Alliance Aviation Services signed (24-Aug-2017) an contract with Minerals and Metals Group (MMG) Dugald River covering the provision of air charter services between Townsville and Cloncurry. The initial contract is for two years, with an option for a further two years at MMG discretion.Alliance Aviation Services previously provided previous services for MMG into the Century Mine between 2009 and Apr-2016. [more - original PR]

Corporate Travel Management (CTM) reported (Aug-2017) it expects full-year underlying EBITDA for FY18 to be in the range of AUD120-125 million (USD94.8-98.7 million), representing growth of 22%-27.5% year-on-year. CTM reported it is "winning significant global clients off the back of its increased global presence" and SMART Technology offering, which is now establish in all regions and with a large flow of developments scheduled for FY2018. CTM MD and founder Jamie Pherous said that, with CTM's global footprint now firmly in place, the business would continue to focus on its core initiatives moving into FY2018. [more - original PR]

Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director Godfrey Odudigbo reportedly said the Government is in negotiations with Ethiopian Airlines on a contract to manage Arik Air, which may be signed in Nov-2017 (AINonline, 23-Aug-2017). Ethiopian Airlines would also provide technical assistance under the proposed agreement. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde GebreMariam said: "The negotiation is progressing very well". Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria took over Arik Air in Feb-2017.