Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow proposed launching international test flights at Rockhampton Airport over six months from early 2018 (The Morning Bulletin, 25-Jul-2017). Rockhampton Councillor Neil Fisher stated the trial is a "long-term, strategic decision", and there is no need for a "big capital spend in order to operate an international airport, we would only need to cover the costs of customs officers and possibly some incentives to get a kick-start". The council hopes Rockhampton can become a centre for the air export of Australian beef.
Corporate Travel News
Airly releases new JetShare app
Airly, via its official newsletter, launched (25-Jul-2017) a new app titled JetShare. The app allows customers access to private jets at discounted rates. Airly has five routes available between Dubbo, Cessnock, Hervey Bay, Sunshine Coast, Mackay and Brisbane. Airly stated it plans to build the platform to include on-demand trips and city-city shuttles.
Tourism NZ global media coverage worth USD145m
Tourism NZ released (25-Jul-2017) results of its global media coverage, estimating a worth of NZD227 million (USD145 million) in FY2017. Tourism NZ director of trade, PR and major events René de Monchy stated: "On average, these results mean we are seeing more than 200 stories a week around the world, promoting New Zealand as a destination". [more - original PR]
NZ Airports proposes funding programme for regional airports
New Zealand Airports Association (NZ Airports) proposed a regional airports funding programme supported by local and national government to offer financial support to maintain infrastructure (Stuff/Radio NZ, 26-Jul-2017). The association noted 12 regional airports require NZD32 million (USD23.7 million) over the next five years to address critical repairs. NZ Airports CEO Kevin Ward stated these airports are not commercially viable and therefore have been retracted by large airlines and Airways New Zealand: "The way these two make their business decisions is going to determine the future for the whole sector and really that may not be in the regional or national interest". NZ Airports estimates once all airports are up to standard, they will require NZD5.2 million (USD3.8 million) p/a for ongoing maintenance. The 12 airports include Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Whangarei, Whakatane, Gisborne, Taupo, Whanganui, Masterton, Timaru, Westport, Hokitika and the Chatham Islands.
Virgin Australia receives 76th Boeing 737-800
CAPA - Centre for Aviation stated (25-Jul-2017) Virgin Australia received a new Boeing 737-800 (VH-YFY; serial number 41016), as recorded by the CAPA Fleet Database. The carrier operates 76 aircraft of the type with two remaining on order.
WA Government announces public hearing into regional airfares in WA
WA Government Economics and Industry Standing Committee announced a public hearing into regional airfares in WA will be held in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on 31-Aug-2017 (The West Australian, 25-Jul-2017). The hearing will allow members of the community to express opinions regarding airfare costs associated with regional WA. As noted on the Standing Committee's website, the Committee will report to the House on the wider matter of airfare prices on regular public transport air routes in regional Western Australia by 28-Nov-2017.
JEJU air, Cebu Pacific launch interline agreement
JEJU air and Cebu Pacific, both members of the Value Alliance, launched an interline agreement on 21-Jul-2017 (Joongang Daily, 25-Jul-2017). This marks JEJU air's first joint service with a Value Alliance member carrier. Tickets for the interline agreement went on sale in Jun-2017 with the inaugural service under the agreement operating to Sydney via Manila.
Batik Air to commence Bali-Sydney service in Dec-2017
Batik Air president director Achmad Luthfie said the airline plans to commence Denpasar-Sydney service with A330 equipment in Dec-2017 (Harian Nasional, 24/25-Jul-2017). The airline also aims to commence Denpasar-Melbourne service. Batik Air will receive one of three A330s to be delivered to Lion Air Group in 2017, with the other two to be allocated to Malindo Air.
Qantas set to retire 747 'Gosford'
Sydney Airport, via its official Facebook page, released (24-Jul-2017) images of Qantas' Boeing 747 named 'Gosford' landing in Sydney for the final time. On 30-Jul-2017, the aircraft is set complete its final service Sydney-San Francisco before being retired in Mojave Air and Space Port, California.
Cebu Pacific confirms plans to increase Manila-Sydney frequency to daily
Cebu Pacific Air confirmed (24-Jul-2017) plans to increase Manila-Sydney frequency to daily, effective 01-Dec-2017, "on the back of robust demand for frequency". The additional frequencies will increase cargo capacity for exports from Australia to the Philippines and onward to China, Dubai, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. The airline is the only LCC on the route, operating up to five times weekly and holding the largest market share for passengers and cargo. VP for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said: "Cebu Pacific continues to remain bullish over prospects in the Australia market". [more - original PR]