Corporate Travel News

Qantas announced (16-Jun-2017) a new collection of Australian wines are available onboard and to purchase through Qantas 'epiQure' based on the annual Qantas Wine Tasting awards. Qantas invests over AUD25 million (USD19 million) in the Australian wine industry every year and is the third largest purchaser of wine in Australia. [more - original PR]

Canadian Transportation Agency approved (12-Jun-2017) a codeshare agreement between Air Tahiti Nui and American Airlines on the Los Angeles-Vancouver route. The agreement permits Air Tahiti to provide scheduled international service between French Polynesia and Canada by selling transportation in its own name on flights operated by American Airlines between Los Angeles-Vancouver. The Determination was approved for one year from 06-Jul-2017. [more - original PR]

Australia's Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) released (15-Jun-2017) the Domestic Air Fare Index for Jun-2017 which showed the 'Best Discount Fare' Index (Jul-2003 = 100) for domestic travel increased 5.0% year-on-year to 61.5 in Jun-2017. 'Restricted economy' increased 1.6% year-on-year and 'Business class' declined 0.1% year-on-year. [more - original PR]

Melbourne Airport unveiled plans to open a new temporary luxury shopping precinct at Terminal 2, offering a variety of high end retail outlets across fashion, accessories, lifestyle, watches, gifts and jewellery product categories (The MoodieDavitt Report, 14-Jun-2017). The outlets will operate between the end of Jul-2017 and the end of Nov-2017.

South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) urged the Pacific tourism industry to protect and sustainably manage the oceans for tourism development (SPTO, 14-Jun-2017). Speaking at the first ever United Nations Oceans Conference that discussed the significance of the oceans to sustainable development, SPTO recognises the significance of the ocean to Pacific tourism which is a major attraction for tourists and a core part of the region's tourism product.

Auckland Airport reported (15-Jun-2017) the major upgrade of its international departure area is "now well underway". In addition, the airport is expanding Pier B of its international terminal, which will add two more contact gates that can each accommodate an A380 or two smaller aircraft. Auckland Airport is also progressing the design of the new domestic section of its future combined domestic and international terminal. [more - original PR]

High Court of Australia found (14-Jun-2017) air cargo price fixing arrangements entered into between Air New Zealand, Garuda Indonesia and other international airlines between 2002 and 2006 breached Australia's competition law. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took action against Air New Zealand in 2009 and Garuda Indonesia in 2010, alleging the airlines colluded with other carriers on charges for fuel, security, insurance and customs for the carriage of airfreight from Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia to Australia. ACCC was required to establish that the conduct occurred in a 'market in Australia'. The High Court unanimously dismissed appeals by each airline and held that all aspects of the market, including the presence of customers in Australia, need to be considered in deciding whether a market is 'in Australia'. The matters against the airlines will be remitted to the Federal Court for a hearing as to relief, including penalty. ACCC commissioner Sarah Court said "Today's judgment sends a clear message that the ACCC is committed to pursuing cartel conduct that impacts on Australian business and consumers". [more - original PR - ACCC] [more - original PR - High Court] [more - original PR - Air New Zealand]

Google announced (13-Jun-2017) the launch of Google Flights search engine in Australia. Google Flights allows users to compare flights and prices for varying destinations and dates, with options to search by carrier, time and class. Google stated Google Flights will identify the best available flight options for users by searching for terms like "Flights to Cairns" or "Flights to New Zealand". [more - original PR]

Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) welcomed (14-Jun-2017) the planned expansion of the Art Gallery of New South Wales which it believes will deliver a significant cultural benefit and economic dividend for Sydney. TTF CEO Margy Osmond stated the NSW Government's commitment of AUD244 million (USD185 million) towards the project will increase international cultural visitors, who on average, stay two nights longer and spend almost AUD400 (USD304) more per visitor in NSW than the average international tourist. [more - original PR]

Jetgo Australia Airlines, via its official Facebook page, announced (13-Jun-2017) it will launch services between Brisbane and Melbourne-Hervey Bay. Subject to regulatory approval, the services will commence on 21-Jul-2017, four times weekly from Brisbane and twice weekly from Melbourne.