We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Qantas unveils new throwback pilot uniforms
Around 8,000 old uniforms will be thrown in the trash and some 30,000 metres of fabric cut and sewed into all new Qantas pilot gear.
If you love a person in uniform, then you’re going to love seeing Qantas’ pilots walking around in these bad boys at gateways around the globe. Click here for more pics.
The new Martin Grant uniforms were unveiled today, with a nostalgic design linking back to the first Qantas pilot uniforms from the 1930s.
2. STA Travel celebrates all things American
STA Travel Agents and their clients were all about that ‘red, white and blue’ last month, attending six different USA-themed events around the country.
Held in conjunction with Brand USA, the Indie festival vibe celebrations were part of a push to promote the group’s tours and packages in the US.
Event goers were treated to performances by some of Australia’s best upcoming musical talent, while chowing down on traditional American burgers, tacos and Budweisers. There were also a few give-aways up for grabs plus a competition which included flights to The USA and a California Campervan holiday for two people.
3. Aussies will go the distance for cruising: Royal Caribbean
Extra cruise capacity out of Australia isn’t just boosting local cruise passenger numbers (well beyond projections), it’s also enticing more Aussies to cruise abroad.
It’s like they get a taste of the sea life and want more, but outside their homeland.
Speaking to media last month, Royal Caribbean’s local boss said basing ships locally is having a positive effect on international cruises, particularly those in Europe.
4. New uniforms, new aircraft & new airport designs for LATAM
LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines have taken another important step in their union as LATAM, with the unveiling of new aircraft design.
The images were released ahead of next week’s Oceania launch and is the first in a series of changes including new uniforms, airport signage and counter design.
LATAM Airlines Group CEO, Enrique Cueto, said passengers will start to experience the new brand over the coming weeks with the ability to book tickets via the LATAM website, accumulate kilometers using LATAM’s frequent flyer program, check-in at LATAM counters, relax in LATAM VIP lounges and most significantly, fly on LATAM-branded aircraft.
Be sure to keep an eye on KarryOn for more updates. In the meantime, click here for more images.
5. Another record year for Etihad
Etihad Airways has experienced its strongest annual financial results to date, with a net profit of US$103 million on total revenues of US$9.02 billion.
The performance, which marked the airline’s fifth consecutive year of net profitability, also saw earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of US$ 259 million, and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rentals (EBITDAR) of US$1.4 billion, representing 16 percent of total revenues.
Etihad Airways carried a total of 17.6 million passengers in 2015, an increase of 18.9 percent year-on-year.
6. NTIA ticket requests are now open
Want to attend this year’s NTIA Gala Dinner? The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has now opened up ticket requests for the annual event being held on 16 July at Dockside Pavilion Darling Harbour.
To submit your request, lodge a ticket request form, which can be found on the AFTA NTIA website.
Click here to check out who the finalists are in this year’s awards.
7. Congratulations TIME graduates!
The TIME Mentoring program held their graduation last night in Sydney.
Five industry peers celebrated the completion of the TIME mentorship before guest speaker Maureen Dougherty from Boeing shared a little insight into her successful career journey.
Interested in finding out more about The TIME program? Click here.
8. Plan your story & WIN a trip to Korea
Korea Tourism Organisation is preparing to roll out a new ‘Let your Story Begin’ campaign, which invites Australian travellers to create their ideal trip to the destination and be in the running to win a holiday for two.
Commencing on 1 May 2016 in Sydney and Melbourne, the campaign will be promoted through online media outlets, tram posters and bus posters in both cities.The competition will require Aussies to plan their story in Korea and then agree to share it on their social media pages.
Entries for the competition will be via the Korea Tourism Organization Sydney office website until the 30 June, 2016.
9. Oceania’s Sirena is here & she is gorgeous
Oceania Cruises has officially welcomed its newest ship, Sirena, into the fleet with a majestic christening ceremony at the Port of Barcelona this week, ahead of her inaugural season sailing Europe and the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, South Pacific, Australia and beyond.
The 684-passenger ship follows the award-winning design blueprint of its sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, with amenities such as four gourmet restaurants, six elegant lounges and bars, the renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and 342 lavish suites and luxurious staterooms.
The ship debuts with two new specialty restaurants – Tuscan Steak, a traditional steak house, and an authentic Italian restaurant, Toscana.
Click here for more pics of the ship.
10. APT’s Diamond Agents are treated to an Unforgettable event
APT and Travelmarvel hosted a glittering awards event at Germany’s 14th-century Namedy Castle on the banks of the Rhine River on Sunday night to celebrate its top performing VIP Diamond travel agencies from across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
The castle is the central feature of one of APT’s exclusive Royal Invitations featured on the luxury travel operator’s sought after Magnificent Europe river cruises between Amsterdam and Budapest.
The party of APT and Travelmarvel’s highest performing agents were invited to explore the stunning castle and grounds at their leisure and were personally greeted by its owner, Princess Heide von Hohenzollern, who welcomed guests to the special event.
APT’s Asia Ambassador, chef and author Luke Nguyen, oversaw proceedings as MC. Among the winners were Phil Hoffmann Travel (Most Outstanding Sales 2015 Multi Location), Geelong Travel (Most Outstanding Sales 2015 Single Location), Sylvania Travel & Cruise NSW (APT’s Rising Star Award), Flight Centre Garden City, WA and RACQ Eight Mile Plains, QLD.