We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel industry news stories of the day we think you need to know.
1. Qantas profits to rise as A380 makes emergency landing
A few hours after Qantas’ A380 made an emergency landing at Perth Airport this morning, the airline announced it expects profits to reach up to $350 million during the first half of 2015.
The market update revealed the forthcoming six months will be the airline’s most profitable since 2010 and an improvement of $550 million compared to the same period last year.
According to the airline, all segments are expected to be profitable during the first half of 2015 – a turnover the airline says has been driven by the progress of its $2 billion transformation program.
2. What’s new on Pacific Dawn?
Yes, it’s pretty exciting that Pacific Dawn is the first P&O ship to sail with new livery and slogan. But her recent 10-day multi-million dollar makeover included more than just a paint job.
In fact, her exterior and interior features are so different, one could say she’s almost a completely new ship.
KarryOn has compiled a list of what’s new on the Australian ship, to help you sell Pacific Dawn rooms to your clients.
3. Elegance, jazz & dog-friendly suites – oh Langham!
Pets are welcome at the new and revitalised Langham Sydney, with new dog-suites added to the property during its recent multi-million dollar makeover.
The property reopened last week after four months of renovations by world-class design firm, GA Design and London’s luxury building experts, ICMG.
The luxury property now features the biggest guestrooms and suites in Sydney.
4. Air Asia X cancels Adelaide
A year after launching flights to Adelaide, budget airline Air Asia X has confirmed it will cut services to the city after a review found the route to be unprofitable.
The final Air Asia X flight from Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur will depart on 25 January. Passengers booked on flights past this date are being contacted.
“The Kuala Lumpur-Adelaide route unfortunately hasn’t been profitable and in light of difficult trading conditions for us in Australia we’ve had to make this decision.”
Stuart Myerscough, Air Asia X commercial manager Australia
He said it was a difficult decision and the airline regrets any inconvenience caused to passengers.
Air Asia X started flying to Adelaide in October last year. According to the local government, the airline’s operations injected some $30 million into the economy and created 170 jobs.
The low-cost carrier will continue to operate services to Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth and Darwin.
5. WIN during Beach Week
Don’t let the rain fool you, summer is here! And to celebrate the (pending) heat KarryOn is holding a special Beach Week theme to get you into summer mode.
Everyday we’ll have a special feature on travelling during the warmer periods AND we’re giving you the change to WIN one of four pairs of Reef Thongs.
Valued at $80 each, Reef Thongs are a comfortable and eco-friendly product. Designed with toxin-free and durable materials, they’re comfortable for long wear – especially on those sticky days.
Click here to find out how you can be in the running to win. Or check out today’s feature on ‘6 places to go swimming’.
6. Industry gets surfin’ on Voyager
Travel agents and industry media will be among the first Australians to try-out the new and improved Voyager of the Seas on a special one-night famil departing Sydney today.
The ship arrived Down Under late last week following a multi-million dollar makeover, which saw the addition of Australia’s first surf simulator at sea.
Already popular on the line’s Oasis-class and Freedom-class ships, the FlowRider has replaced the rollerblading inline track on deck 13.
Other changes onboard include the addition of virtual balconies in interior rooms. Virtual balconies project real-time sights and sounds of the sea on an 80-inch high definition screen framed to the cabin wall – giving all guests an ocean view.
There’s also a new 220-square-foot outdoor 3D cinema screen by the pool and three new dining venues – Izumi Japanese Cuisine, which has replaced Cloud Nine & Seven Hearts; Royal Caribbean’ signature Chop’s Grille steakhouse fitted where Portofino’s was located; and Giovanni’s Table Italian trattoria replaced The Vault on deck four.
KarryOn will be onboard so be sure to check out our website tomorrow for more images from inside the renovated vessel.
7. Girl Power! Jetstar appoints Aus’ first female chief pilot
Jetstar made history late last week, when it appointed Georgina Sutton to chief pilot – the first female chief pilot in Australian aviation.
Stepping into the new role from February next year, she will be the most senior pilot with the airline in charge of overseeing around 900 other Jetstar pilots.
Sutton has worked for Qantas and Jetstar since 1989 when she started as a second officer. Since, she has served the company with roles in safety and fleet management.
Last year, she was appointed the captain of the carrier’s Boeing 767 fleet.
“Georgina has demonstrated strengths in leadership, technical expertise, operations and shares our strong focus on safety.”
David Hall, Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive
8. Infinite love for Tahiti
Jet-skiing, paddling, snorkelling, culture and diving. If you haven’t already guessed it, these 25 agents were flown over to Tahiti last month for a six-day famil in Bora Bora.
The group won Infinity’s competition for most improved stores.
The five-star luxury trip included stays in an overwater villa at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa and the St Regis Bora Bora.
Agents had an endless number of activities to test out on the trip like the 4×4 safari in the wild side of the Bora Bora Mountains, a Jetski Tour to a motu (small islet) and an Aquasafari – a walk along the ocean floor.
#wishingwewerethere
9. Deals of the Week
Couples save $600 on an Italian tour; fly to South Africa from $1,413 per person; children rail around Europe for free; and stay at a select Best Western hotel for 20 percent off!
Get some inspiration for your or your client’s next trip, with some of the best travel deals of the week.
10. Ever wondered what people leave behind at the airport?
Image: Netfalls – Remy Musser/Shutterstock
Sydney Airport held its first lost property auction late last week, selling off interesting and completely bizarre items left behind at the airport.
According to the Daily Mail, some 2,000 items were under the hammer, including an Asian remedial massage, a toe maintenance pack and a couple of ukuleles.
Stranger items included a microwave oven and olive oil cans – perhaps their owners didn’t realise airlines served food?
There was also three GHD straighteners, which went for $240.
We can’t imagine how two Alpaca quilts were left behind, but surely enough the two large items were sold via an online auction for $320.
The most expensive sale was on a Titleist golf bag with clubs, which went for $660.
Other items up for auction included latest model cameras, smartphones and tablets plus a Ninja Turtles skateboard and a surfboard.
Ever leave something behind at an airport?