Corporate Travel News

Tourism WA, via its official newsletter, announced (01-Jul-2017) it will be amalgamated into a new portfolio known as the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. WA Department of State Development Director General Stephen Wood will take on the role as acting CEO of Tourism WA. As part of the changes, Nathan Harding has been appointed as the new chairman, while Karen Priest, Linda Wayman, Kevin Brown and Manny Papadoulis have been appointed to the Board.

Air New Zealand and Air China launched a codeshare on the Auckland-Apia and Chengdu-Sydney routes from the week beginning 03-Jul-2017 (Routes Online, 03-Jul-2017).

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport CEO Lyell Strambi noted (02-Jul-2017) the need to "think about ground transport options and the road infrastructure", in order to facilitate the "traveller journey". He believes recent commitments from both the Federal and State Governments for a feasibility study for a rail link are a "welcome first step and something we have been lobbying for". Mr Strambi concluded: "There's no point in having an airport that can process 60 million passengers if no one can get here... we need to make sure the traveller journey through the airport as seamless and enjoyable as the rest of the trip - whether that's arriving passengers on their first visit to our city, or departing passengers who want to take a lasting memory of Melbourne with them". [more - original PR]

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport CEO Lyell Strambi asserted (02-Jul-2017) the "invaluable competitive advantage" of Melbourne Airport's 24/7, curfew free operation. Mr Strambi said: "Today it allows around an extra two million passengers each year, and it's an essential cog in Victoria's export machinery". [more - original PR]

Australia's Government launched (01-Jul-2017) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between Australia and the Pacific Alliance - the Latin American trading bloc made up of Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia. Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo stated: "An FTA with the Pacific Alliance will create new export opportunities for Australian farmers, miners, manufacturers, educators, service providers and investors in some of Latin America's major economies". Australia is one of the first countries to launch FTA negotiations with the Pacific Alliance. [more - original PR]

Virgin Australia Group provided (03-Jul-2017) an update on cash flow, Velocity Frequent Flyer performance for 2017 and reconfirmed expectations for the fourth quarter underlying performance.

• The Group expects to report a positive free cash flow performance for the FY2017 of AUD0-50 million (USD0-38 million). This is a AUD90-140 million (USD69-108 million) improvement year-on-year;
• The Velocity Frequent Flyer business reached eight million members during Jun-2017. For FY2017, Velocity's Segment EBIT performance is expect to improve by 2%-3% year-on-year;
• The Group reconfirmed its previous statement that it expects the underlying performance of the group for FY2017 to improve year-on year. [more - original PR]

Queenstown Airport, via its official Twitter page, welcomed (01-Jul-2017) the first Qantas night time service. All four airlines operating to the airport, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas, have now launched after-dark services.

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport CEO Lyell Strambi stated (02-Jul-2017) passenger numbers "can be expected to double again over the next 20 years". Mr Strambi noted Melbourne's population has grown 40% since 1997, from 3.3 million to 4.6 million. He added: "Over that same period, passenger volumes through Melbourne Airport have more than doubled, from just under 14 million in 1997 to more than 35 million passengers in the past 12 months". [more - original PR]

Delta Air Lines appointed Clare Wheatley as GM Australia and New Zealand and Virgin Australia JV (Mice BTN, 29-Jun-2017). Ms Wheatley will serve as the lead for the JV, which allows the carriers to collaborate across the commercial spectrum in marketing, loyalty, network, revenue management and sales.

Virgin Australia, in a statement to CAPA, confirmed (30-Jun-2017) the departure of John Thomas as group executive. Mr Thomas is expected to be replaced by Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp, who will act in the role until a permanent candidate is confirmed. The changes are effective the week beginning 03-Jul-2017.