Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news designed specifically to help you, the Travel Agent, be your best today and tomorrow.
1. Winners of the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards revealed
Yesterday we congratulated Emirates for winning the prestigious World’s Best Airline 2016 for the fourth time in 15 years. But it’s time to show some love to the other impressive winners, such as our own Qantas!
That’s right, the Qantas Group took home four Skytrax awards, including the coveted Best Airline in Australia/Pacific award, as well as the Best Airline Staff in Australia/Pacific, and Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering awards. Jetstar, the budget airline of the group, was awarded the Best Low Cost Carrier in Australia/Pacific.
Click here for the full story.
2. TripAdvisor launches new airline review section
TripAdvisor is about to impact the airline industry in a huge way by opening up its popular reviewing platform for airline reviews, potentially changing the way consumers research their flights.
Consumers will now be able to rate their experiences flying with airlines, helping others make better decisions when choosing who to fly, thanks to a new airline review platform on popular travel website TripAdvisor. The new enhancements to the site, which have been welcomed by airlines such as Virgin Australia, will bring greater transparency to the marketplace.
Click here to read the full story.
3. Did Airbnb just go and disrupt the hotel industry again?
In a move that’s been quietly brewing for a while, Airbnb has in recent days inked deals in the U.S with Corporate Travel Management Companies (TMC’s) Carlson Waggonlit, BCD and AMEX Global Business Travel.
In what is surely more bad news for the hotel industry, the first of their kind formal partnerships will help travel managers provide additional accommodation options for their business (and bleisure) travellers while at the same time improving safety, security and duty of care.
Click here to read the full story.
4. LATAM Airlines and Qatar Airways shake hands
It what promises to be a pretty big deal for both airlines, LATAM Airlines Group S.A and Qatar Airways have just announced that they have entered into a subscription agreement that will allow the Doha-based airline to acquire up to 10 per cent of LATAM’s total shares.
The new aquisition will result in a capital increase in the amount of US$613 million through the issuance of new shares at a price of US$10 each for the South American airline, strengthening LATAM Airlines’ financial position moving forward.
The airlines, which are both members of the oneworld alliance, are excited about this long-term partnership, and both welcome the potential new connectivity opportunities.
5. Airbus toys with plans to replace toilets with urinals
It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but Airbus is currently toying with the idea of replacing some of its onboard toilets with stand-up urinals!
According to an Airbus source, stand-up urinals would be a far better use of space whilst also cutting queue times for passengers. On a plane as big as its giant A380 super jumbo jet – capable of carrying 800 passengers – the faster passengers can do their thing the better for all onboard.
For now, fitting planes with stand-up urinals is just an idea, but don’t be surprised if the next flight you catch has a men’s only line.
6. WIN free flights at the NTIA, thanks to Star Alliance
The AFTA National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) is kicking off this Saturday night, and it looks like there will be more winners than ever before, thanks to Star Alliance and their generous ‘Scratch & Win’ promotion.
Everyone attending the prestigious awards night will have a chance to win, with more than 50 prizes, including 13 international airline tickets with Air Canada, South African Airways, Lufthansa and Thai Airways, up for grabs. To find out if you’re one of the lucky ones, all you need to do is peel open your Star Alliance-branded napkin holder to reveal a small silver scratch panel.
As well as giving away these uber awesome prizes, Star Alliance will once again sponsor the Best Non-Branded Travel Agency Group category at this year’s NTIA.
7. Sydney Airport welcomes more services from Hainan Airlines
Two new services operated by Hainan Airlines will being operating from September at Sydney Airport.
Hainan Airlines’ year-round twice-weekly Sydney-Xi’an and Sydney-Changsha services will commence on 15 and 17 September respectively, subject to government approval.
The routes will be operated by an A330-200 aircraft with 250 seats.
8. MTA team indulge in the ‘Sprit of Nanuku’
MTA – Mobile Travel Agents co-managing directors Roy and Karen Merricks and the MTA team recently channeled their inner Fijian warrior this week with a traditional welcoming ceremony at the Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji.
The Merricks are very strong supporters of Fiji, who last May personally delivered 250kg of clothing, toys and school materials donated by the Merricks and MTA Members.
The donations were made to the children of Naqalimare District School in Sigatoka following the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Winston.