News

Qantas Group announced (04-May-2017) its preliminary trading update for 3QFY2017, reflecting improving performance from domestic operations and a decrease within the international market. Qantas confirmed that it expects to report a full-year underlying profit before tax in the range of AUD1.35 billion (USD1 billion) to AUD1.40 billion (USD1.04 billion), which would represent the second highest result in Qantas’ history. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce stated the Group’s quarterly performance had met expectations and laid the ground for another strong full-year result. A summary of key full year outlook figures is as follows:

• Unit revenue for Group Domestic is expected to continue into 4QFY2017;
• Unit Revenue for Group International is expected to continue moderating in 4QFY2017;
• Qantas Group expects to report an underlying profit before tax in the range of AUD1.35 billion (USD1 billion) to AUD1.40 billion (USD1.04 billion) for FY2017. [more - original PR]
  

Mainland Air CEO Phil Kean stated the airline would consider resuming regular Dunedin-Alexandra service if it was supported by private investors (Stuff, 03-May-2017). Mr Kean stated: "If it was viable, we would do it... We tried it and it didn't succeed... We're not prepared to put our neck on the line again".

Alexandra Airport commenced a NZD429,000 (USD295,479) upgrade to reseal the tarmac on its apron, develop 700m of taxiways and construct 25 private hangar lots (Stuff, 03-May-2017). The project is scheduled to complete by Nov-2017.

Lord Howe Island Airport secured AUD1.8 million (USD1.3 million) to renovate and replace existing terminal facilities including toilets, flooring, entry way and enhance seating capacity at the departure hall (Port News, 02-May-2017). As previously reported by CAPA, the funds were awarded by New South Wales Government under its Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund. Tender for the project concluded on 22-Mar-2017 and the winner to be announced in May-2017.

Air Canada announced (03-May-2017) the expansion of its international network with the introduction of seasonal Vancouver-Melbourne service. The service will operate four times weekly between 01-Dec-2017 and 04-Feb-2018 with Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Air Canada president passenger airlines Benjamin Smith stated: "Vancouver-Melbourne is our third route to Australia, in addition to year-round service to Sydney and Brisbane. Our seasonal Melbourne service will provide additional options for business travellers between North America and Australia as well as Australians seeking a Canadian winter vacation experience". [more - original PR - I] [more - original PR - II]

Air Niugini welcomed (03-May-2017) ten engineers back to Papua New Guinea after successfully completing their four year engineering cadet programmes at the Air New Zealand Training institute and Cairns Aviation Skills Centre. The programme was fully funded by Air Niugini at over PGK5 million (USD1.6 million) and aims to develop young Papua New Guineans to be fully licensed aircraft maintenance engineers with careers in aircraft engineering at Air Niugini. Air Niugini CEO Simon Foo emphasised that it is committed to the training, skilling and development of human resources by investing in employee training. [more - original PR]

Air New Zealand announced (04-May-2017) expected targets for 2017, stating: "Based on the current market environment and expectations for the average jet fuel price in the second half of the year of USD65/bbl, we are targeting 2017 earnings before taxation to be in the range of NZD475 million (USD327 million) to NZD525 million (USD361 million)". [more - original PR]

Qantas plans to increase Perth-Broome frequency from 19 to 24 times weekly from 03-Jul-2017 to accommodate an expected increase in passengers generated by oil and gas activity in the offshore Browse Basin, about 425km north of Broome (The West Australian, 03-May-2017). The additional weekday frequency is scheduled to depart Perth at 13:30 return from Broome at 17:00.

Northern Territory Government announced (03-May-2017) the NT Budget for 2017-18. A total of AUD43.2 million (USD32 million) in funding will be invested into tourism marketing and associated activity. Tourism NT stated the 2017 Budget enhances the Territory lifestyle and promotes tourism which will ensure Northern Territory tourism products are supported and NT stories are shared with the world. [more - original PR]

Tourism Australia and Visit Victoria announced (03-May-2017) a series of culinary events across North America, Europe and Asia showcasing Australia’s best produce through the eyes of celebrated Australian chef Dan Hunter. Tourism Australia MD John O’Sullivan said supporting Dan Hunter’s global tour was an important way to generate advocacy and continue to tell the 'Restaurant Australia' story to the world, continuing the momentum of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. [more - original PR]