Corporate Travel News

Australia's Northern Territory Tourism Minister Lauren Moss confirmed high-level delegations from two Chinese carriers would visit Darwin in the near future to discuss the possibility of launching services to Darwin (NT News, 03-Jul-2017). The announcement comes after a delegation, which included Ms Moss, recently visited locations throughout China in a bid to urge airlines to launch services. Ms Moss stated the NT Government was providing a highly competitive commercial environment for the carriers and the services looked promising.

Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said (03-Jul-2017) there is a "long way to go yet on the work on Western Sydney Airport". He added: "This is a great project. I'm not going to be disparaging about the Western Sydney Airport project. It's one where the Government's putting equity into the project, and we expect to have that concluded by 2026. Obviously the Sydney Airport Corporation had a first right of refusal which it chose not to take up and now we're progressing the project". [more - original PR]

Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester emphasised (03-Jul-2017) Brisbane Airport's opportunities for growth from Asia. He said: "We've been very keen to promote Australia at international levels to make sure we're getting our share of the visitor economy. Now, Queensland is perfectly placed in terms of the year round attractions the state can offer... I'd like to see further investment in infrastructure here in the south east corner. We're working with the State Government on that to make sure that we spread the benefits of the visitor economy, that people not only come to Brisbane, not only come to the south east corner, they get out and explore this magnificent state and all it has to offer". [more - original PR]

Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester stated (03-Jul-2017) Brisbane Airport's 22 million passengers p/a is expected to double over the next two decades. Mr Chester said: "What we're seeing here is the benefit of enormous private investment between the accommodation being provided, the new runway. We're very keen to see further growth in the south east corner of Queensland". [more - original PR]

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase appointed (03-Jul-2017) Christine Tang, the first business development manager (BDM) for the recently opened Guangzhou office in southern China. Ms Chipchase stated: "Our expansion in China plays a critical role in ensuring NSW remains Australia's number one tourism and events State. This position will be responsible for building our relationships with key travel trade partners, wholesalers, retailers, airlines and online agents to increase the awareness and sales of NSW tourism destinations and products in southern China". [more - original PR]

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) announced (03-Jul-2017) a series of regional events to allow tourism businesses around New Zealand to discuss challenges and opportunities facing them and their region. TIA chief executive Chris Roberts stated: "The annual series of events provides an important forum to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities facing tourism businesses as well as connecting local businesses with industry leaders. These discussions are focused on business learning, with practical tools and tips for attendees to take away and implement in their organisations". The events are scheduled for Jul/Aug-2017 and will reach Rotorua, Auckland, Dunedin and Christchurch. [more - original PR]

Auckland International Airport appointed (04-Jul-2017) Scott Tasker as GM aeronautical commercial. Mr Tasker has served as acting GM aeronautical commercial since 2015. Mr Tasker is responsible for the airport's route development, tourism strategies, and "sustainably growing" airline services. Roles previously held by Mr Tasker include Emirates head of passenger sales in New Zealand. [more - original PR]

Air Niugini chairman Frederick Reihe, via the carrier's Jul/Aug-2017 inflight magazine, provided (Jul-2017) updates on three key management focus areas:

• Fleet: Air Niugini has now taken delivery of all nine Fokker 70 (F70) aircraft, acquired from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. They will be fully in service in the coming months when branding, refurbishing and installation of WiFi are completed. The refurbishing includes the installation of customised business class seating. Since the airline began the introduction of the F70 aircraft just over 18 months ago, the "response from passengers has been very positive", with Sir Frederick adding: "The positive response matches our own assessment of the aircraft for fuel efficiency and other key factors that were influential when the management and the board decided to make the introduction of the F70 the key component of the largest fleet upgrading in Air Niugini's history". The F70 will become the 'work horse' of the airline's main domestic services and regional services in the Pacific region;
• Sabre switch: Air Niugini is focusing on is the progressive switch to the Sabre Solutions Passenger Service System (PSS). The changeover will take effect from 01-Oct-2017. Sir Frederick noted: "I am delighted the change is happening very smoothly and will be delivered on schedule. It will also deliver some important cost savings for Air Niugini at a time when we are focusing on reducing costs that don't compromise safety or service". Air Niugini will conduct an extensive marketing and information campaign highlighting the modern and extended online services we will offer when Sabre is fully implemented;
• Shanghai service: The carrier plans to launch commercial services to Shanghai in Dec-2017 with Sir Frederick stating: "Having successfully introduced regular services to the Federated States of Micronesia, and Townsville in North Queensland, the direct service to China is our next priority. Our team will be seeking to work closely with the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), the travel industry and business to ensure the introduction of this service is successful". Air Niugini and the TPA will host a series of 'China Ready' workshops in the coming months to prepare commercial partners, and other customers, for the new direct services. [more - inflight magazine]

Air Niugini, via its Jul/Aug-2017 inflight magazine, updated (Jul-2017) its route map, with Shanghai, Majuro and Tarawa noted as upcoming destinations from Port Moresby. [more - inflight magazine]

Brisbane Airport awarded (03-Jul-2017) an AUD500 million (USD384 million) airfield works contract to Skyway, a JV between BMD Construction and CPB Contractors, a member of the CIMIC Group, for its new 3300m runway. The award sees the runway enter the final stage of works, on track for a scheduled opening in 2020. Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO and MD Julieanne Alroe said: "The new runway was the most important piece of aviation infrastructure being built in Queensland and the biggest undertaken by BAC since the airport was privatised in 1997... It is a AUD1.2 billion (USD922 million) to AUD1.3 billion (USD999 million) privately funded investment that, when operational in 2020, will provide unlimited opportunities for the growth of our city, state and, ultimately, our nation". More than 400 new jobs are expected to be created during the final construction phase. [more - original PR]