Corporate Travel News

Australia's Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) urged (16-Jun-2017) the NSW Government to increase investment in tourism and transport in the 2017/18 State Budget. TTF CEO Margy Osmond stated with continued targeted investment by the Berijiklian Government, tourism will remain a super-growth industry and ensure that NSW remains a great place to live and to visit into the future. Ms Osmond urged the Berijiklian Government to also invest in critical road and public transport infrastructure projects and increase transport services across NSW. [more - original PR]

Tigerair Australia launched (16-Jun-2017) its new Tiger Bites winter inflight menu known 'Street Eats At 30,000 Feet'. Tigerair Australia head of communications Vanessa Regan stated the new menu is designed with value and choice in mind. The new winter menu is available now on all Tigerair services. [more - original PR]

China Airlines announced (16-Jun-2017) plans to increase frequency on Taipei-Brisbane-Auckland route to a daily from Dec-2017. China Airlines has flown to Brisbane Airport since 2003, from its home hub of Taipei, and currently offers four times weekly service between Taipei-Brisbane-Auckland. China Airlines GM Brisbane Branch Ray Chang stated the boosted schedule reconfirmed China Airline's ongoing commitment to Queensland. Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO and MD Julieanne Alroe welcomed the announcement stating the additional services would meet growing demand on the route. [more - original PR]

Cairns Airport reported international traffic increased 9.5% year-on-year during May-2017 (Cairns Post, 16-Jun-2017). CEO Norris Carter stated the growth was due to high capacity on Hong Kong Airlines' service, that recorded a 164% increase. Jetstar's Bali service also reported 47% increase in passenger traffic during the month.

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport plans to invest AUD10 billion (USD7.6 billion) in infrastructure upgrades between 2014-2033 (TTG Asia, 15-Jun-2017). The airport recently completed terminal 4 enhancements, will be adding eight baggage carousels at the international terminal and complete the delivery of T2 luxury precinct "in coming months".

Australia's Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Region Economics (BITRE) reported (16-Jun-2017) the following traffic highlights for Australian domestic airlines for Apr-2017:

• Passengers: 4.9 million, +2.1% year-on-year;
  • Top ten domestic city pairs:
    • Melbourne-Sydney: 727,051, +0.4%;
    • Brisbane-Sydney: 384,014, -0.5%;
    • Brisbane-Melbourne: 291,176, +5.5%;
    • Gold Coast-Sydney: 234,763, +3.7%;
    • Adelaide-Melbourne: 202,681, -1.9%;
    • Melbourne-Perth: 175,969, +1.6%;
    • Gold Coast-Melbourne: 169,924, +11.8%;
    • Adelaide-Sydney: 159,593, -0.4%;
    • Perth-Sydney: 147,281, -0.8%;
    • Hobart-Melbourne: 140,251, +8.2%;
• Load factor: 79.5%, +2.4ppts;
  • Melbourne-Sydney: 85.3%, +3.3ppts;
  • Brisbane-Sydney: 81.9%, -0.8ppt;
  • Brisbane-Melbourne: 80.4%, +3.0ppts;
  • Gold Coast-Sydney: 85.0%, -0.9ppt;
  • Adelaide-Melbourne: 81.0%, -1.8ppts;
  • Melbourne-Perth: 86.6%, +7.2ppt;
  • Gold Coast-Melbourne: 85.2%, +7.3ppts;
  • Adelaide-Sydney: 82.2%, -2.6ppts;
  • Perth-Sydney: 84.8%, +1.4ppts;
  • Hobart-Melbourne: 85.7%, +3.1ppts;
• RPKs: +2.6%;
• ASKs: -0.6%;
• Aircraft movements: 51,561, -2.3%;
• Seats: 6.3 million, -0.5%. [more - original PR]

ACP Worldwide, via its official Facebook account, announced (15-Jun-2017) it was appointed cargo GSA for Air Vanuatu in Australia and New Zealand, effective 01-Jul-2017. ACP operates local offices in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. ACP Worldwide director Australia and New Zealand Ross Di Lizio said: "We are confident of developing new traffic through the new interline opportunities and providing increased market share from existing and new customers" (Air Cargo Week, 15-Jun-2017).

Northern Mariana Islands aviation authority suspended all applications for additional international air services to the country, following a 48% year-on-year increase in arrival traffic during Apr-2017 (Radio NZ, 16-Jun-2017). Commonwealth Ports Authority, operator of the islands' airports, is concerned airport infrastructure is not able to handle the tourist influx. The suspension will take effect until Aug-2017.

Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) released (15-Jun-2017) the terms of reference for its review of aviation safety regulation of remotely piloted aircraft systems, or drones. The terms of reference highlight details of matters CASA will consider as part of a formal review. This include the safety benefits and cost effectiveness of introducing mandatory registration, education and training for all drone operators, as well as the deployment of geofencing capabilities for these aircraft. CASA also announced a discussion paper for public comment on the range of safety issues to be examined during the review will be released. [more - original PR]

Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester welcomed (15-Jun-2017) the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) review of commercial and recreational drone operations. Mr Chester believes the review's findings and recommendations would ensure future growth in drone operations is safely integrated into Australian airspace. Mr Chester continued: "The Australian Government is committed to fostering an environment that ensures the safety of commercial and privately owned aircraft, drone operators, and other people and property, while facilitating growth and innovation in the use of drones in Australia". [more - original PR]