Corporate Travel News

Australia Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester confirmed (08-Aug-2017) the federal government will review airport security measures including regional airports, to ensure "current settings remain appropriate…to the current threat or the risk environment". Mr Chester stated the review will focus on the 170 airports across Australia that currently serve scheduled passenger or chartered services. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]

Virgin Australia announced (10-Aug-2017) the resignation of non-executive director David Baxby, effective 10-Aug-2017. Mr Baxby is pursuing a new executive management position at Wesfarmers Limited. [more - original PR]

Virgin Atlantic Cargo appointed (09-Aug-2017) Jarrod Paterson as account manager Melbourne to support the launch of new services by Virgin Australia. Virgin Australia commenced Melbourne-Los Angeles service with Boeing 777-300ER equipment in Apr-2017 and Melbourne-Hong Kong service with A330 equipment in Jul-2017. Virgin Atlantic is responsible for all long haul cargo sales and management services for Virgin Australia. [more - original PR]

Thai Airways plans to deploy Boeing 787-9 equipment on Auckland service from 29-Oct-2017 (Airline Route, 09-Aug-2017). The airline currently operates five times weekly Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Auckland service with 777 equipment, according to OAG.

Thai Airways plans to operate A350 equipment twice daily on Melbourne service from 01-Feb-2018 (Airline Route, 09-Aug-2017). The airline currently operates twice daily Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Melbourne service with Boeing 777 equipment, according to OAG, and operates five A350-900 aircraft with seven on order, according to the CAPA Fleet Database.

Sri Lanka's State Minister of Public Enterprise Development Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena stated SriLankan Airlines has "already sold over 10,000 seats" for its upcoming Colombo-Melbourne service, scheduled for launch in Oct-2017 (Daily News, 08-Aug-2017). SriLankan Airlines, via its official Facebook account, confirmed (02-Aug-2017) it has conducted "pre-launch ceremonies held in Melbourne and Sydney to create awareness about direct flights operating from Melbourne from 30th Oct 2017". The carrier will operate daily on the route with A330-200 aircraft.

New Zealand Prime Minister and National Party Leader Bill English stated (08-Aug-2017) the Waterview motorway tunnel "has reduced the travel time" into Auckland Airport "to 25 minutes and reduced congestion, and so we have got time to consider the need for light rail". The National Party plans to develop Auckland Airport's proposed light rail system within the next 30 years to 2047. [more - original PR]

Air Niugini GM customers and markets Dominic Kaumu revealed the carrier is determined to make Port Moresby the hub of the Pacific and its subsidiary firm, Link PNG is an integral part of this plan (PNG Today, 09-Aug-2017). Mr Kaumu stated: "The operations by our subsidiary company complements Air Niugini's vision. We are connecting Asia, Australia, PNG and the Pacific from Port Moresby's Jackson's International airport, and continually increasing frequencies".

Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) released (08-Aug-2017) a new paper highlighting the need for investment in Australia's natural tourist destinations. TTF CEO Margy Osmond stated: "Releasing the paper, Unlocking our Great Outdoors, is an important contribution to the debate around how we can best conserve our natural areas while also unlocking the economic benefits that can be delivered by nature-based tourism". The research has found that there is greater potential for nature-based tourism in Australia. Ms Osmand continued: "What these new figures show is that across Australia international visitors make up a tiny four per cent of tourists visiting our national park areas. The potential to double this visitation in the next few years with the right facilities, conservation priorities and government backing is enormous". [more - original PR]

Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ) will meet with Australian and New Zealand airport representatives, government departments and ministers in late Aug-2017 to discuss increased airport charges (NZ Herald, 07-Aug-2017). A4ANZ represents Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Tigerair. A4ANZ chairman Graeme Samuel stated: "Aeronautical charges are simply imposed and its very difficult to negotiate otherwise. It is essentially because airports are monopolies".