The World’s Top 10 Airlines of 2019
1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. ANA All Nippon Airways
4. Cathay Pacific
5. Emirates
6. EVA Air
7. Hainan Airlines
8. Qantas Airways
9. Lufthansa
10. Thai Airways
Singapore Airlines has lost its “Best in the World” gong with Qatar Airways back on top after nabbing the coveted title at the prestigious 2019 Skytrax Awards.
Qatar also walked away with World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East. It’s the fifth time the Middle East carrier has taken out the top gong at the awards, after losing the top spot in 2018 to Singapore.
Singapore Airlines slipped into second place, while Japanese airline ANA All Nippon Airways received the bronze medal.
Known as the Oscars of the aviation world, the World Airline Awards are handed out annually by Skytrax, the leading global authority on airline and airport service quality.
In its 19th year, the ratings are based on the world’s largest passenger satisfaction survey, which took place from September 2018 to May 2019 with online voting in English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese and Russian.
This year passengers from over 100 countries voted on 300 airlines from around the globe, while Skytrax said there were 21.65 million eligible entries.
Australian airline Qantas made a return to the top 10 list for the first time in three years, after coming in at 11th spot in 2018 and slipping to 15th position in 2017.
Virgin Australia came in at 25th, down from their 22nd ranking in 2018.
In a statement, Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted admitted not everyone would agree with the rankings’ assessment.
We operate the survey and awards in a 100 per cent independent and impartial format according to the commitment we gave back in 1999, he said during the awards ceremony at the Paris Air Show.
While every winner may not be the favourite of everyone, those that disagree should understand that these are the Passenger’s Choice Awards.
Jetstar came in at 53rd overall, dropping from 46th position in 2018, while Air New Zealand was ranked 16th.
Jetstar however ranked third in the ‘World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airlines’ and sixth in the ‘World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines’ for 2019.
Fiji Airways was awarded first place in the “Best Airline Staff in Australia Pacific” category, which recognises the combined airline staff service for both on-board and ground staff, in the Australia Pacific region through passenger feedback and Skytrax evaluation.
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Showing posts with label jetstar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jetstar. Show all posts
Monday, 24 June 2019
Tuesday, 14 August 2018
TAIWAN: EVA Air To Feed North America Network
In Jul-2018 Eva Air inaugurated service to Chiang Mai, its 12th Southeast Asia destination. EVA Air disclosed that it is planning for its 13th and 14th destinations – Penang and Yangon. EVA Air may also fly to India.
Taiwan's Go South policy encourages the economy, transportation and tourism included to do more business in Southeast Asia in order to differentiate away from Northeast Asia and reduce reliance on mainland China.
The new destinations will also help fuel EVA's North America network, which accounts for approximately half of the airline's system-wide flying. Half of EVA's North American passengers connect beyond Taipei, mostly to Southeast Asia.
New destinations, especially those that few other competitors serve, add uniqueness. Rapid trans Pacific growth in recent years has necessitated a greater number of unique city pair combinations.
Cathay Pacific's regional arm Cathay Dragon is adding service to two Southeast Asian destinations not yet served by another Northeast Asian airline.
EVA Air is considering service to Penang and Yangon.
EVA Air studying India, dependent on aeropolitical instruments.
Taiwan is encouraging tourism and visitor growth in Southeast Asia in order to differentiate away from Northeast Asia, especially from mainland China.
Southeast Asian destination growth important for EVA Air to feed its North American network.
Taiwan is pursuing Southeast Asia tourism growth.
The new destinations, if launched, would further Taiwan's aim to grow tourism from Southeast Asia and reduce dependence on Northeast Asia.
Approximately two thirds of Taiwan's visitor arrivals are from Northeast Asia. This includes mainland China, with a 25% share of all arrivals, and Japan at 18%.
Taiwan's quest for Southeast Asia growth is partially out of opportunity, but also as a hedge should the uncertain mainland China market dip – which has occurred over the years, with significant impact on Taiwan tourism.
Taiwan visitor arrivals by market: 2017
Taiwan receives a larger share of visitors from the US before any Southeast Asia market. Taiwan's largest Southeast Asian source markets are Malaysia (5%), Singapore (4%), Philippines (3%) and Indonesia (2%).
Singapore has only a 1ppt difference from Malaysia, despite Singapore's much smaller size.
This is partially the result of LCC competition between Singapore and Taiwan with Scoot and Jetstar as well as ample full service airline capacity, as EVA Air and China Airlines use widebodies to feed their North American networks.
EVA Air has not served Penang. Penang would be a new passenger destination for EVA Air. The airline has freighter services to Penang, while China Airlines has freighter services as well as a daily 737-800 passenger service.
China Southern has twice daily Airbus narrowbody flights to Guangzhou, which connect with its North American network (albeit limited).
Penang International Airport international seat capacity by airline: week commencing 02-Jul-2018
The main competition is from Cathay Dragon, which has twice daily flights on narrowbody and widebody aircraft. Cathay Dragon's sister airline Cathay Pacific has a larger North America network but also links Penang to the rest of Northeast Asia.
No other Northeast Asian airline serves Penang with passenger service (Korean Air has freighter service). Cathay Dragon is the fourth largest international operator at Penang. 17% of Penang's international capacity is to Northeast Asia.
Penang International Airport international seat capacity by region: week commencing 02-Jul-2018
EVA Air briefly served Yangon. Yangon represents a service resumption for EVA Air, if launched. EVA Air was one of a number of airlines to launch service to Yangon after political change and an impending opening-up for business.
EVA Air entered Yangon with other Northeast Asian airlines, including ANA and what is today Cathay Dragon, both of which are able to link Yangon with their large North American networks.
EVA Air served Yangon for eight months from Oct-2012 to May-2013. Taiwan was initially a smaller business partner for Myanmar and EVA Air operated at lower frequency than Cathay Dragon. ANA also had low frequency, but operated a premium aircraft while Japan had larger business ties.
Yangon has far more Northeast Asian competition than Penang. Also, Gulf airlines are more present in Yangon. One-stop flights from Yangon to North America can be longer than transiting through a Northeast Asian hub, but fares can be low.
Gulf airlines tend to be more present in the Southeast Asia-East Coast North America market, which represents a smaller detour compared to Northeast Asia-West Coast North America.
Unlike service on Penang, the North American heavyweights ANA and Korean Air serve Yangon. Two mainland Chinese airlines – Air China and China Southern – link Yangon with their main hubs. China Eastern serves Yangon from Kunming and not Shanghai, the hub for its North American network.
Northeast Asia represents 19% of Yangon's international seats, which is a share not much higher than the 17% that Northeast Asia represents at Penang.
Yangon Mingaladon International Airport international seat capacity by region: week commencing 02-Jul-2018
India's high volumes but low yields are challenging. EVA Air has also said that it is considering service to India but would have to assess aeropolitical instruments.
Taiwan and India amended their air service agreement in 2016, with reports stating that each side was permitted 14 weekly passenger flights. The only passenger services are two weekly flights from China Airlines on the Taipei-Delhi route. This low frequency does not suggest a large unserved market.
Northeast Asian airlines have a number of challenges growing in India. Local demand is typically very small due to limited business, tourism and VFR markets – unlike in Southeast Asia.
Flights from Northeast Asian hubs to India can between five and nine hours – a long time to sustain a flight on mostly connecting traffic with little O&D traffic.
Gulf airlines do this across their network, but their market is connecting traffic, whereas Northeast Asian airlines are structured more towards a balance between O&D and connecting traffic.
The high cost of Northeast Asia-India flights is especially limiting to ANA and JAL, which are historically Northeast Asia-North America connecting airlines but have the highest cost bases in Asia.
The distance between India and Northeast Asian hubs requires a widebody aircraft to be used in most instances. Next generation narrowbodies (A321LR, 737 MAX) will only open so many markets in Northeast Asia-India.
This limits the opportunity to link thinner markets and offer high frequency, or trade three weekly widebody flights with a daily narrowbody traffic rights permitting; some are based on frequency and others on seats/units of capacity.
Southeast Asia growth fuels North America expansion. New Asian destinations will help EVA's North America network. North America accounts for 48% of EVA's ASKs, and more when the regional Asia capacity that exists largely to feed North American flying is taken into account.
An expanded Asia network can help EVA Air grow in North America while also improving the existing network.
As one-stop trans Pacific competition increases, EVA Air needs more differentiation.
EVA Air ASKs by region: Week commencing 02-Jul-2018
Should EVA Air add Penang and Yangon, it will have 14 destinations in Southeast Asia from its main hub.
In 2017, with 11 markets, EVA served the same number of Southeast Asian destinations as China Eastern did from its hub. This considers only destinations served, and not frequency, capacity or connectivity.
EVA will have much more differentiation than ANA, and come up to Korean Air. Penang and Yangon, besides being new destinations, bring more uniqueness to EVA's network.
In comparison, all of ANA's Southeast Asian destinations are served by three or more airlines in this benchmark study of leading trans Pacific operators with Southeast Asian connections.
EVA Air's additions of Penang and Yangon also reduce the dominance of competitors. Exceptions are Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon, which have added service to two destinations – Davao and Medan – not served by any other Northeast Asian airline.
Potential for the connectivity upside is still largely unrecognised. Yet for all the changes, there is still far more growth to be unlocked with improvements in narrowbody aircraft technology, slots, traffic rights and government transparency.
The inevitable focus on China market growth tends to disguise the great potential for growth of southeast and south Asian transfer markets over north Asia.
The large distances across the Pacific make direct services operationally difficult and often uneconomical, but as economies grow and trade links with north America expand, traffic flowing along the linkages made possible by connecting services will only increase.
Tourism Observer
Monday, 5 June 2017
HONG KONG: Cathy Pacific To Cut 600 Jobs To Save HK$4 Billion To Return To Profitability
Hong Kong flag carrier is cutting 600 staff as airline seeks to save HK$4 billion over coming three years and return to profitability.
Cathay Pacific Airways has denied a report in the South China Morning Post that there will be an additional 200 staff cuts later this year.
A Cathay Pacific spokeswoman said on Tuesday afternoon: The number of redundancies resulting from the transformation programme is around 600, as we announced to our people and the public yesterday. Rumours of other figures are incorrect.
Sources said that the 200 extra jobs to be culled would be from junior ranks and they would go before the conclusion of the restructuring exercise at the end of this year.
Anger rippled through the airline on Monday as the company said 600 of 3,000 head office jobs would be axed with no department spared except for frontline staff such as pilots and cabin crew.
Changing customer habits and a “challenging business environment” were cited as reasons for the largest job losses in 20 years.
Cathay Pacific’s new chief executive, Rupert Hogg, paid tribute to colleagues by praising their commitment and professionalism in an internal note to staff as he described the day’s events as an “unquestionably difficult day”, warning the “unsettling” changes would “continue to be so for a little while longer”.
Hogg said the transformation plan was the right thing to do for the long-term future of our business and our customers.
In a public statement, Hogg described the changes as tough but necessary.
Changes in people’s travel habits and what they expect from us, evolving competition and a challenging business outlook have created the need for significant change, Hogg said.
Staff let go on Monday will receive 12 months’ salary in the form of severance pay and extended medical and travel benefits. They will also be offered counselling.
Despite the words of gratitude from Hogg, the announcement rankled with the head office union, which represents 800 staff.
Local Staff Union representative Hearty Baleros said: People are not happy about this action by the company.
We will continue to have an open dialogue with the company to try and get better terms for those affected.
The major problems facing new Cathay Pacific boss Rupert Hogg after management reshuffle
The Labour Department said it was highly concerned about the job cuts and urged the airline to maintain effective communications over the terminations.
Asian rival Singapore Airlines is also facing significant challenges.
Both airlines have been hurt by competition from Middle East and mainland Chinese airlines as well as budget carriers. They are bleeding cash from slumping ticket prices.
Singapore Airlines last week announced a comprehensive review of its business after reporting an unexpected loss of US$99 million in the first quarter of this year.
Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon lost HK$3 billion last year but the company as a whole lost HK$575 million because of better performances in other areas of the business, including catering and its shareholding in Air China.
Cathay also struggled after two years of substantial fuel hedging losses amounting to HK$8.4 billion each year in 2015 and 2016.
The losses were absorbed into the overall fuel cost.
The successful turnaround of Australia’s Qantas Airways could offer a blueprint. It saved HK$12.5 billion over three years by axing 5,000 out of 33,000 jobs, retiring old planes and trimming its flights and destinations.
Frontline staff also agreed to wage cuts.
Key to Qantas’ recovery was a partnership with Emirates and expansion of its pan-Asian budget airline Jetstar.
Staff cuts could deliver annual savings of HK$600 million for Cathay Pacific, according to FlightGlobal Asia finance editor Ellis Taylor.
The airline is seeking HK$4 billion of cuts over three years, including HK$2 billion this year.
Taylor believed the staff cuts were just the start of wider workforce measures.I expect that we will see more integration of Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon, possibly with the latter taking over more services into Southeast Asia, he said.
For Cathay to be really serious, it needs to consider reversing some of the capacity growth that it has made over the past few years to cope with lower demand and higher competition from mainland and Middle Eastern carriers, Taylor added.
Cathay Pacific must push ahead with its restructuring
In Monday’s announcement, 190 management jobs will go immediately, representing 25 per cent of such posts. A further 400 non-management staff – or 18 per cent of the total – will be cut by mid-June.
Before the staff cuts, Cathay employed 19,000 people in Hong Kong, most being frontline staff, including pilots and cabin crew.
Among other announced changes, the airline’s cargo unit will be restructured. Job losses in the cargo, finance and human resources departments will be unveiled later.
The airline said it would look for greater efficiencies and productivity improvements in the rest of the workforce.
Cathay Pacific Airways has denied a report in the South China Morning Post that there will be an additional 200 staff cuts later this year.
A Cathay Pacific spokeswoman said on Tuesday afternoon: The number of redundancies resulting from the transformation programme is around 600, as we announced to our people and the public yesterday. Rumours of other figures are incorrect.
Sources said that the 200 extra jobs to be culled would be from junior ranks and they would go before the conclusion of the restructuring exercise at the end of this year.
Anger rippled through the airline on Monday as the company said 600 of 3,000 head office jobs would be axed with no department spared except for frontline staff such as pilots and cabin crew.
Changing customer habits and a “challenging business environment” were cited as reasons for the largest job losses in 20 years.
Cathay Pacific’s new chief executive, Rupert Hogg, paid tribute to colleagues by praising their commitment and professionalism in an internal note to staff as he described the day’s events as an “unquestionably difficult day”, warning the “unsettling” changes would “continue to be so for a little while longer”.
Hogg said the transformation plan was the right thing to do for the long-term future of our business and our customers.
In a public statement, Hogg described the changes as tough but necessary.
Changes in people’s travel habits and what they expect from us, evolving competition and a challenging business outlook have created the need for significant change, Hogg said.
Staff let go on Monday will receive 12 months’ salary in the form of severance pay and extended medical and travel benefits. They will also be offered counselling.
Despite the words of gratitude from Hogg, the announcement rankled with the head office union, which represents 800 staff.
Local Staff Union representative Hearty Baleros said: People are not happy about this action by the company.
We will continue to have an open dialogue with the company to try and get better terms for those affected.
The major problems facing new Cathay Pacific boss Rupert Hogg after management reshuffle
The Labour Department said it was highly concerned about the job cuts and urged the airline to maintain effective communications over the terminations.
Asian rival Singapore Airlines is also facing significant challenges.
Both airlines have been hurt by competition from Middle East and mainland Chinese airlines as well as budget carriers. They are bleeding cash from slumping ticket prices.
Singapore Airlines last week announced a comprehensive review of its business after reporting an unexpected loss of US$99 million in the first quarter of this year.
Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon lost HK$3 billion last year but the company as a whole lost HK$575 million because of better performances in other areas of the business, including catering and its shareholding in Air China.
Cathay also struggled after two years of substantial fuel hedging losses amounting to HK$8.4 billion each year in 2015 and 2016.
The losses were absorbed into the overall fuel cost.
The successful turnaround of Australia’s Qantas Airways could offer a blueprint. It saved HK$12.5 billion over three years by axing 5,000 out of 33,000 jobs, retiring old planes and trimming its flights and destinations.
Frontline staff also agreed to wage cuts.
Key to Qantas’ recovery was a partnership with Emirates and expansion of its pan-Asian budget airline Jetstar.
Staff cuts could deliver annual savings of HK$600 million for Cathay Pacific, according to FlightGlobal Asia finance editor Ellis Taylor.
The airline is seeking HK$4 billion of cuts over three years, including HK$2 billion this year.
Taylor believed the staff cuts were just the start of wider workforce measures.I expect that we will see more integration of Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon, possibly with the latter taking over more services into Southeast Asia, he said.
For Cathay to be really serious, it needs to consider reversing some of the capacity growth that it has made over the past few years to cope with lower demand and higher competition from mainland and Middle Eastern carriers, Taylor added.
Cathay Pacific must push ahead with its restructuring
In Monday’s announcement, 190 management jobs will go immediately, representing 25 per cent of such posts. A further 400 non-management staff – or 18 per cent of the total – will be cut by mid-June.
Before the staff cuts, Cathay employed 19,000 people in Hong Kong, most being frontline staff, including pilots and cabin crew.
Among other announced changes, the airline’s cargo unit will be restructured. Job losses in the cargo, finance and human resources departments will be unveiled later.
The airline said it would look for greater efficiencies and productivity improvements in the rest of the workforce.
Friday, 28 April 2017
INDIA: Jetstar Denies It Is World’s Worst Airline
LOW-cost carrier Jetstar has hit back at claims it is the worst airline in the world and said the findings research by consumer watchdog Choice had no credibility.
Data compiled by 11 consumer groups globally including Choice was released earlier today after 11,000 passengers who travelled in the past year gave feedback and scored the performance of 73 airlines.
The findings showed Qantas was ranked as the best of the national carriers (ranking 36), ahead of rival airline Virgin Australia (51) and Jetstar came in last (73).
Jetstar has come dead last in a new survey of more than 100 airlines.
A new global study has found Jetstar to be the worst performing overall according to more than 11,000 people who took part.
But the budget airline has hit back, saying the survey lacks "veracity".
Jetstar spokesman Luke Enright criticised how the research was conducted and said it was not a fair indicator of all airlines.
He said the data size of Jetstar passengers which included more than 100 respondents of the 11,000 overall was “around half the number of people we carry on one flight and a lot less than 34 million customers who flew with us last year.”
They also called it an international survey but only surveyed people from eight countries, he said.
Emirates took the crown as the best airline in the world.
Tigerair was not included in the survey because the sample size of passengers was too small.
But Choice spokesman Tom Godfrey stood by the research and said it’s unsurprising Jetstar is disappointed in their poor performance but instead of trying to rubbish the survey, they should work on cleaning up their act.
People are sick of poor treatment, particularly when flights are delayed or cancelled.
Jetstar said they continued to do a lot of work behind the scenes on areas where we can improve, particularly on flight punctuality.
Customers rated airlines on a range of criteria including punctuality, checking in, boarding, treatment by staff, comfort on-board, meals, safety and value for money.
In comparison Australia-based airline Qantas ranked the 36th best airline in the world and Emirates came out on top.
The study was conducted by Choice, in association with watchdogs from around the world, and found more than a third of passengers who flew with Jetstar said they experienced disruptions from flight cancellation and waiting times of an average of at least four hours after scheduled departure times, the Daily Mail reported.
Jetstar only received one star out of five for overall satisfaction. The airline was rated 4.51 out of 10 for comfort and its website scored 4.81 out of 10.
Despite the findings, Jetstar say they question the results.
"There are a lot of holes in this latest survey, including leaving out our main competitor Tiger because they didn't collect enough responses, so the veracity of the report is questionable," a spokesperson said.
Air New Zealand ranked 26th in the world - well ahead of the two Australia-based airlines.
Here are the top five airlines according to the survey:
1. Emirates based out of the United Arab Emirates 8.29
2. Avianca based out of Columbia 8.17
3. Qatar Airways based out of Qatar 8.15
4. Luxair based out of Luxembourg 8.1
5. Singapore Airlines based out of Singapore 8.1
Data compiled by 11 consumer groups globally including Choice was released earlier today after 11,000 passengers who travelled in the past year gave feedback and scored the performance of 73 airlines.
The findings showed Qantas was ranked as the best of the national carriers (ranking 36), ahead of rival airline Virgin Australia (51) and Jetstar came in last (73).
Jetstar has come dead last in a new survey of more than 100 airlines.
A new global study has found Jetstar to be the worst performing overall according to more than 11,000 people who took part.
But the budget airline has hit back, saying the survey lacks "veracity".
Jetstar spokesman Luke Enright criticised how the research was conducted and said it was not a fair indicator of all airlines.
He said the data size of Jetstar passengers which included more than 100 respondents of the 11,000 overall was “around half the number of people we carry on one flight and a lot less than 34 million customers who flew with us last year.”
They also called it an international survey but only surveyed people from eight countries, he said.
Emirates took the crown as the best airline in the world.
Tigerair was not included in the survey because the sample size of passengers was too small.
But Choice spokesman Tom Godfrey stood by the research and said it’s unsurprising Jetstar is disappointed in their poor performance but instead of trying to rubbish the survey, they should work on cleaning up their act.
People are sick of poor treatment, particularly when flights are delayed or cancelled.
Jetstar said they continued to do a lot of work behind the scenes on areas where we can improve, particularly on flight punctuality.
Customers rated airlines on a range of criteria including punctuality, checking in, boarding, treatment by staff, comfort on-board, meals, safety and value for money.
In comparison Australia-based airline Qantas ranked the 36th best airline in the world and Emirates came out on top.
The study was conducted by Choice, in association with watchdogs from around the world, and found more than a third of passengers who flew with Jetstar said they experienced disruptions from flight cancellation and waiting times of an average of at least four hours after scheduled departure times, the Daily Mail reported.
Jetstar only received one star out of five for overall satisfaction. The airline was rated 4.51 out of 10 for comfort and its website scored 4.81 out of 10.
Despite the findings, Jetstar say they question the results.
"There are a lot of holes in this latest survey, including leaving out our main competitor Tiger because they didn't collect enough responses, so the veracity of the report is questionable," a spokesperson said.
Air New Zealand ranked 26th in the world - well ahead of the two Australia-based airlines.
Here are the top five airlines according to the survey:
1. Emirates based out of the United Arab Emirates 8.29
2. Avianca based out of Columbia 8.17
3. Qatar Airways based out of Qatar 8.15
4. Luxair based out of Luxembourg 8.1
5. Singapore Airlines based out of Singapore 8.1
Sunday, 19 March 2017
AUSTRALIA: External Pilot Recruitment At Qantas Starts
Qantas says its has received more than 500 applications, including from as far away as Europe, in its external pilot recruitment drive ahead of the arrival of the Boeing 787-9 in October 2017.
In February, Qantas announced plans to hire 170 new pilots over the next three years to support growth on the back of a firm order of eight Dreamliners that was confirmed August 2015.
It is the oneworld alliance member’s first significant recruitment of pilots since 2009.
Qantas said the range of applicants covered experienced Airbus and Boeing pilots to graduates seeking their first job. While the 500 applications were mainly from Australia, people from New Zealand and Europe also put their hat in the ring.
Following the selection process, the new recruits were expected to begin Qantas training in January 2017 and be flying by May that year.
The airline said the bulk of the new hires would commence their Qantas career as second officers on the Airbus A330 fleet, which fly domestically and to Asia and Honolulu.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to create opportunities for our current flight crew this year and now can open up the doors to aspiring Qantas pilots,” Qantas chief pilot Dick Tobiano said in a statement.
“We’re encouraging pilots across the industry and across the world to apply for a role with Qantas.
“The applicants that meet the Qantas standard will join the world’s most trusted group of pilots.”
Prior to seeking applications from the wider aviation community, the company also held an internal recruitment program where QantasLink pilots were also invited to apply to move across to the “mainline” Qantas jet fleet.
As a consequence, QantasLink would be seeking pilots as “backfill”.
Qantas said its low-cost carrier unit Jetstar was also recruiting for A320 and 787 pilots.
The careers section of the Jetstar website showed open applications for A320 First Officer’s in Melbourne, A320 Captains and First Officers for Jetstar Japan and Dash-8 Captains and First Officers for Jetstar New Zealand’s regional turboprop operations based out in Auckland.
Meanwhile, the Virgin Australia website showed the airline was advertising for ATR First Officers, Boeing 777-300ER Second Officers based out of Australia and Boeing 737 First Officers based in New Zealand.
In February, Qantas announced plans to hire 170 new pilots over the next three years to support growth on the back of a firm order of eight Dreamliners that was confirmed August 2015.
It is the oneworld alliance member’s first significant recruitment of pilots since 2009.
Qantas said the range of applicants covered experienced Airbus and Boeing pilots to graduates seeking their first job. While the 500 applications were mainly from Australia, people from New Zealand and Europe also put their hat in the ring.
Following the selection process, the new recruits were expected to begin Qantas training in January 2017 and be flying by May that year.
The airline said the bulk of the new hires would commence their Qantas career as second officers on the Airbus A330 fleet, which fly domestically and to Asia and Honolulu.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to create opportunities for our current flight crew this year and now can open up the doors to aspiring Qantas pilots,” Qantas chief pilot Dick Tobiano said in a statement.
“We’re encouraging pilots across the industry and across the world to apply for a role with Qantas.
“The applicants that meet the Qantas standard will join the world’s most trusted group of pilots.”
Prior to seeking applications from the wider aviation community, the company also held an internal recruitment program where QantasLink pilots were also invited to apply to move across to the “mainline” Qantas jet fleet.
As a consequence, QantasLink would be seeking pilots as “backfill”.
Qantas said its low-cost carrier unit Jetstar was also recruiting for A320 and 787 pilots.
The careers section of the Jetstar website showed open applications for A320 First Officer’s in Melbourne, A320 Captains and First Officers for Jetstar Japan and Dash-8 Captains and First Officers for Jetstar New Zealand’s regional turboprop operations based out in Auckland.
Meanwhile, the Virgin Australia website showed the airline was advertising for ATR First Officers, Boeing 777-300ER Second Officers based out of Australia and Boeing 737 First Officers based in New Zealand.
Sunday, 19 February 2017
SINGAPORE: Airlines To Cash On Higher Tourist Arrivals
Singapore not only welcomed a record number of visitors. More significantly, those who came spent more.
Tourism receipts grew by almost 14 per cent year-on-year to $24.8 billion, far outstripping the 7.7 per cent jump in the number of visitors, which hit 16.4 million.
Preliminary data collated by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) put Indonesia, which accounted for 17.7 per cent of total arrivals, and China, at 17.5 per cent, neck-and-neck in the race for the top market spot.
Malaysia and India took third and fourth positions, respectively.
The good showing did bode well for the economy, specifically the tourism-related sectors, including retail, entertainment and food and beverage.
Hotels and other accommodation providers also benefited.
For the aviation sector, the knock-on effect was more patchy.
The positive impact was obvious for Changi Airport. More visitors - the bulk of whom would have come by air - meant more business for the airport, which also handled a record number of passengers last year.
There is a strong correlation between STB's visitor arrival numbers and Changi's passenger movements, particularly for key markets such as China, Indonesia and India.
Among Changi's top 10 markets last year, China saw the fastest growth at 15 per cent.
The airport has been actively growing the Chinese market by establishing new city links in China and welcoming new Chinese airlines to the airport - an added boost to the tourism sector here, said airport spokesman Ivan Tan.
Spending at airport shops and restaurants also increased, with total sales hitting a record high of $2.3 billion last year, 5 per cent higher than in 2015.
Travellers from China were the biggest spenders, accounting for about 30 per cent of the airport's retail market.
Other top spenders were from Indonesia, India and Australia.
For Changi, which collects rent from tenants as well as a percentage of sales, increasing revenue from commercial activities is key to keeping the airport competitive.
This is because part of the takings are used to subsidise aircraft parking and landing, as well as other aeronautical charges.
With Jewel Changi Airport due to open in early 2019, commercial takings should get another shot in the arm.
The multi-storey complex being built in front of Terminal 1 will offer mainly retail and dining options.
While Changi benefits from the increase in overall visitor arrivals, it is also important for the airport to grow its transit traffic to boost Singapore's status as an air hub.
Currently, stopover traffic makes up about a third of the airport's total passenger traffic.
As the airport continues to strengthen its connectivity to secondary cities in China, Indonesia and India, air travel to and from these key markets should remain healthy this year.
With much of the growth in visitor numbers coming from Asian markets, and especially second- and third-tier cities in China and India, budget airlines and full-service carriers that operate mainly regional flights are the key beneficiaries of the upswing.
For others, such as Singapore Airlines, the key is to grow its home base and work closely with its low-cost subsidiaries, such as Tigerair and Scoot, and regional arm SilkAir, to not only bring more people to Singapore, but also from here to other destinations within the group's network.
Budget carriers, such as Tigerair, Scoot, Jetstar and AirAsia, play a key role in boosting Singapore's visitor numbers, with a growing number of flights to regional destinations.
AirAsia's Singapore chief executive Logan Velaitham said: "Flights on our key trunk routes, like Kuala Lumpur-Singapore, are consistently operating at loads of 95 per cent, while services to second-tier cities in the region are achieving average loads of about 77 per cent."
While fuel and other operating costs such as salaries also factor into the bottom line, volumes are critical for budget carriers that earn not just from the fares they charge, but also add-ons, such as food and priority seating fees.
For airlines and ground handlers that do passenger and baggage check-in, and firms that repair and maintain planes, a rise in passenger numbers and flights is welcome, but competition will keep a lid on profits.
As the demand for intra-Asian air travel continues to grow - and with ongoing efforts to remove travel restrictions, for example, the push for a single visa for all Asean countries - tourism numbers will rise.
STB and Changi Airport will no doubt work closely with key players, in both the tourism and aviation sectors, to capture a big chunk of the traffic.
Tourism receipts grew by almost 14 per cent year-on-year to $24.8 billion, far outstripping the 7.7 per cent jump in the number of visitors, which hit 16.4 million.
Preliminary data collated by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) put Indonesia, which accounted for 17.7 per cent of total arrivals, and China, at 17.5 per cent, neck-and-neck in the race for the top market spot.
Malaysia and India took third and fourth positions, respectively.
The good showing did bode well for the economy, specifically the tourism-related sectors, including retail, entertainment and food and beverage.
Hotels and other accommodation providers also benefited.
For the aviation sector, the knock-on effect was more patchy.
The positive impact was obvious for Changi Airport. More visitors - the bulk of whom would have come by air - meant more business for the airport, which also handled a record number of passengers last year.
There is a strong correlation between STB's visitor arrival numbers and Changi's passenger movements, particularly for key markets such as China, Indonesia and India.
Among Changi's top 10 markets last year, China saw the fastest growth at 15 per cent.
The airport has been actively growing the Chinese market by establishing new city links in China and welcoming new Chinese airlines to the airport - an added boost to the tourism sector here, said airport spokesman Ivan Tan.
Spending at airport shops and restaurants also increased, with total sales hitting a record high of $2.3 billion last year, 5 per cent higher than in 2015.
Travellers from China were the biggest spenders, accounting for about 30 per cent of the airport's retail market.
Other top spenders were from Indonesia, India and Australia.
For Changi, which collects rent from tenants as well as a percentage of sales, increasing revenue from commercial activities is key to keeping the airport competitive.
This is because part of the takings are used to subsidise aircraft parking and landing, as well as other aeronautical charges.
With Jewel Changi Airport due to open in early 2019, commercial takings should get another shot in the arm.
The multi-storey complex being built in front of Terminal 1 will offer mainly retail and dining options.
While Changi benefits from the increase in overall visitor arrivals, it is also important for the airport to grow its transit traffic to boost Singapore's status as an air hub.
Currently, stopover traffic makes up about a third of the airport's total passenger traffic.
As the airport continues to strengthen its connectivity to secondary cities in China, Indonesia and India, air travel to and from these key markets should remain healthy this year.
With much of the growth in visitor numbers coming from Asian markets, and especially second- and third-tier cities in China and India, budget airlines and full-service carriers that operate mainly regional flights are the key beneficiaries of the upswing.
For others, such as Singapore Airlines, the key is to grow its home base and work closely with its low-cost subsidiaries, such as Tigerair and Scoot, and regional arm SilkAir, to not only bring more people to Singapore, but also from here to other destinations within the group's network.
Budget carriers, such as Tigerair, Scoot, Jetstar and AirAsia, play a key role in boosting Singapore's visitor numbers, with a growing number of flights to regional destinations.
AirAsia's Singapore chief executive Logan Velaitham said: "Flights on our key trunk routes, like Kuala Lumpur-Singapore, are consistently operating at loads of 95 per cent, while services to second-tier cities in the region are achieving average loads of about 77 per cent."
While fuel and other operating costs such as salaries also factor into the bottom line, volumes are critical for budget carriers that earn not just from the fares they charge, but also add-ons, such as food and priority seating fees.
For airlines and ground handlers that do passenger and baggage check-in, and firms that repair and maintain planes, a rise in passenger numbers and flights is welcome, but competition will keep a lid on profits.
As the demand for intra-Asian air travel continues to grow - and with ongoing efforts to remove travel restrictions, for example, the push for a single visa for all Asean countries - tourism numbers will rise.
STB and Changi Airport will no doubt work closely with key players, in both the tourism and aviation sectors, to capture a big chunk of the traffic.
Tuesday, 13 September 2016
NEW ZEALAND: Air New Zealand Restricts Inflight Use Of Samsung Galaxy Note 7
Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Tiger Airways and other airlines around the world have banned passengers from switching on or charging the recalled phones onboard.
An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said: "On recommendation from the Federal Aviation Administration all Air New Zealand customers carrying Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices must ensure that they are carried in the cabin only and not turned on or charged while onboard any Air New Zealand service.
It is understood flight attendants are advising passengers of the ban as part of the pre-flight safety briefing.
Earlier this month, Samsung announced an unprecedented recall of 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7s worldwide just two weeks after the phone was launched.
The move came after Samsung's investigation into reports of fires found rechargeable lithium batteries manufactured by one of its suppliers were at fault.
Samsung said it had confirmed 35 cases of the Galaxy Note 7 catching fire as of September 1, most of them occurring while the battery was being charged.
In a statement, the company said it was not aware of any incidents occurring in New Zealand.
Saturday, 27 February 2016
FIJI: Tourists Flee Fiji Over Cyclone Disaster
International tourists began fleeing cyclone-devastated Fiji on Monday (Feb 22) amid fears the death toll from the most powerful storm to ever hit the Pacific island nation is set to rise steeply.
The official body count from severe tropical cyclone Winston stands at six but the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported at least 10 were dead, with fears for another seven fishermen missing at sea.
The super-storm lashed the popular tourist destination overnight on Saturday, packing gusts of 325 kilometres per hour. It was the first maximum category five cyclone to hit Fiji and left a trail of destruction, flattening scores of homes and crippling infrastructure.
Oxfam's Pacific regional director Raijeli Nicole said some of the remote communities that bore the brunt of the storm had still not been heard from and officials feared the worst.
"The Fijians are desperately trying to repair severed lines of communication, but they hold grave fears that the news waiting for them will be dire," she said.
"Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll won't stop climbing today and that hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed."
International tourists caught up in the disaster began to leave as flights resumed at Nadi airport after a two-day suspension.
Air New Zealand confirmed one of its aircraft departed at 9.30am (5.30am Singapore time) and other carriers including Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways were also expected to begin operations again.
Fiji's economy relies on tourism and the island chain is a major destination for Australians and New Zealanders.
Melbourne man Jeremy Bree told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that he heard trees being ripped from the ground as he sat out the storm in a hotel at Denaru on the main island Viti Levu.
"It was pretty amazing just looking out and seeing the wind gusts just absolutely buffeting the trees," he said. "The noise around was something I've never heard before, it was a real harrowing whine that came through."
The airport's opening allowed aid efforts to ramp up, with Australia announcing a Aus$5.0 million (US$3.6 million) package including basics such as food and drinking water.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Canberra had also offered the use of a P-3 Orion aircraft and MRH-90 helicopters to reach outlying islands. "The full impact of this disaster is still not known. We stand ready to provide further assistance to support Fiji's relief and recovery effort," she said.
The island nation has declared a month-long state of natural disaster after the storm that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama described as an "assault on Fiji".
All schools, many of which are being used as evacuation centres, were ordered closed for one week and military leave has been cancelled so troops can help with the clean-up.
The acting head of the Red Cross's Pacific office Ahmad Sami said an accurate assessment of the storm's impact would take time. "We anticipate that humanitarian needs will be very high," he told AFP.
"This is the first time that Fiji has experienced a cyclone of this magnitude in their history, a category five, so we're still trying to find out the figures."
He said priorities were restoring power and repairing damaged homes, as well as maintaining drinking water supplies in more than 700 evacuation centres.
Wednesday, 11 November 2015
USA: American Airlines Adds New International Destination
American Airlines will add new nonstop service between its trans-Pacific gateway hub at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Auckland Airport (AKL) in June 2016, pending regulatory approvals. The route to Auckland provides American's customers direct access to a new destination and further strengthens the airline's joint business with Qantas Airways. American has added six new trans-Pacific routes over the last three years, nearly doubling its presence in the region.
"Auckland is a thriving destination for business and leisure travelers, and it adds to the growing strength of our global network across the Pacific," said Doug Parker, American's chairman and CEO. "We've seen a strong increase for demand from U.S. customers who need more nonstop access to New Zealand. We are excited to be the first U.S. carrier to offer a truly premium experience between Los Angeles and Auckland."
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce, said the new Los Angeles-Auckland service is another example of the customer benefits of the expanded Qantas American Airlines joint business. "American Airlines is one of our most important partners, and our joint business allows both airlines to provide an enhanced network and better service for customers across the Pacific.
"American's new non-stop Los Angeles-Auckland service is supported by Jetstar's domestic connections to eleven destinations within New Zealand and Qantas Group's nearly 40 daily flights to Australia. The new route across the Pacific is great news for travelers, the local New Zealand tourism industry and the corporate market," said Mr. Joyce.
The two CEOs met earlier in the day with New Zealand Prime Minster John Key to present details of American's new service that is planned to operate on the following daily schedule starting in June 2016 (all times local):
LAX-AKL
Departs LAX at 10:45 p.m.
Arrives at AKL at 6:35 a.m., two days later
AKL-LAX
Departs AKL at 1:20 p.m.
Arrives at LAX at 6:30 a.m., same day
American plans to operate its new daily service between LAX and AKL with the newest addition to its fleet, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The Dreamliner features a state-of-the-art onboard travel experience including international Wi-Fi, as well as higher humidity and pressurization closer to sea level conditions, leaving customers more refreshed after their flight. Every seat has a touchscreen monitor equipped with up to 260 movies, 240 TV shows, 13 radio channels, 350 albums and 20 games, along with universal AC power outlets and a USB connection. The aircraft is configured with 28 fully lie-flat Business Class seats, each with direct-aisle access. There are an additional 55 Main Cabin Extra seats with extra legroom, and 143 Main Cabin seats.
The flight will be operated as part of American's joint business with Qantas, which remains subject to regulatory approvals. Earlier this year, the two airlines announced increased options between the U.S. and Sydney Airport (SYD) with American launching a new nonstop flight from LAX, and Qantas adding a new flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), both beginning in December.
Through their enhanced relationship, American and Qantas intend to provide increased connectivity to markets beyond their key gateways.
"Auckland is a thriving destination for business and leisure travelers, and it adds to the growing strength of our global network across the Pacific," said Doug Parker, American's chairman and CEO. "We've seen a strong increase for demand from U.S. customers who need more nonstop access to New Zealand. We are excited to be the first U.S. carrier to offer a truly premium experience between Los Angeles and Auckland."
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce, said the new Los Angeles-Auckland service is another example of the customer benefits of the expanded Qantas American Airlines joint business. "American Airlines is one of our most important partners, and our joint business allows both airlines to provide an enhanced network and better service for customers across the Pacific.
"American's new non-stop Los Angeles-Auckland service is supported by Jetstar's domestic connections to eleven destinations within New Zealand and Qantas Group's nearly 40 daily flights to Australia. The new route across the Pacific is great news for travelers, the local New Zealand tourism industry and the corporate market," said Mr. Joyce.
The two CEOs met earlier in the day with New Zealand Prime Minster John Key to present details of American's new service that is planned to operate on the following daily schedule starting in June 2016 (all times local):
LAX-AKL
Departs LAX at 10:45 p.m.
Arrives at AKL at 6:35 a.m., two days later
AKL-LAX
Departs AKL at 1:20 p.m.
Arrives at LAX at 6:30 a.m., same day
American plans to operate its new daily service between LAX and AKL with the newest addition to its fleet, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The Dreamliner features a state-of-the-art onboard travel experience including international Wi-Fi, as well as higher humidity and pressurization closer to sea level conditions, leaving customers more refreshed after their flight. Every seat has a touchscreen monitor equipped with up to 260 movies, 240 TV shows, 13 radio channels, 350 albums and 20 games, along with universal AC power outlets and a USB connection. The aircraft is configured with 28 fully lie-flat Business Class seats, each with direct-aisle access. There are an additional 55 Main Cabin Extra seats with extra legroom, and 143 Main Cabin seats.
The flight will be operated as part of American's joint business with Qantas, which remains subject to regulatory approvals. Earlier this year, the two airlines announced increased options between the U.S. and Sydney Airport (SYD) with American launching a new nonstop flight from LAX, and Qantas adding a new flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), both beginning in December.
Through their enhanced relationship, American and Qantas intend to provide increased connectivity to markets beyond their key gateways.
Wednesday, 4 November 2015
INDONESIA: Indonesia Extends Closure Of Bali Airport Because Of Ash From Volcano Eruption
Volcanic ash spews from the crater of Mount Rinjani on the Indonesian island of Lombok
Indonesia will extend the closure of an international airport on popular Bali resort island to Thursday due to ash from an erupting volcano, an official said Wednesday, grounding more than 100 flights.
Authorities had closed the Ngurah Rai International Airport late Tuesday due to a large ash cloud drifting from Mount Rinjani, an active volcano on the nearby island of Lombok.
“The airport remains closed until 8.45 am tomorrow (Thursday). The wind has blown the volcanic ash towards Bali in such a way that it covers the sky around the airport, making conditions unsuitable for flying,” Bali airport official Yulfiadi said.
A total of 106 flights on Wednesday were cancelled, including 59 international flights, Yulfiadi said, adding that the “situation is still under control”.
The eruption also shut down Selaparang airport in Mataram, the capital of West Nusatenggara province, located on Lombok Island.
Passengers wait for information on delayed and cancelled flights at the international departure area of Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar.
Australian airlines Virgin Australia and Jetstar had already cancelled all flights Tuesday, deeming conditions unsafe for flying, with Virgin also scrapping its roster for Wednesday.
Ash from a different volcano stranded thousands of passengers on Bali for days during the peak holiday season in July.
Air traffic is regularly disrupted by volcanic eruptions in Indonesia, which sits on a belt of seismic activity running around the basin of the Pacific Ocean and is home to the highest number of active volcanoes in the world, around 130.
The main concern for airlines regarding volcanic ash is not that it can affect visibility but rather that it could damage jet engines, according to experts.
Ash turns into molten glass when it is sucked into aircraft engines and in extreme cases can cause them to shut down.
Indonesia will extend the closure of an international airport on popular Bali resort island to Thursday due to ash from an erupting volcano, an official said Wednesday, grounding more than 100 flights.
Authorities had closed the Ngurah Rai International Airport late Tuesday due to a large ash cloud drifting from Mount Rinjani, an active volcano on the nearby island of Lombok.
“The airport remains closed until 8.45 am tomorrow (Thursday). The wind has blown the volcanic ash towards Bali in such a way that it covers the sky around the airport, making conditions unsuitable for flying,” Bali airport official Yulfiadi said.
A total of 106 flights on Wednesday were cancelled, including 59 international flights, Yulfiadi said, adding that the “situation is still under control”.
The eruption also shut down Selaparang airport in Mataram, the capital of West Nusatenggara province, located on Lombok Island.
Australian airlines Virgin Australia and Jetstar had already cancelled all flights Tuesday, deeming conditions unsafe for flying, with Virgin also scrapping its roster for Wednesday.
Ash from a different volcano stranded thousands of passengers on Bali for days during the peak holiday season in July.
Air traffic is regularly disrupted by volcanic eruptions in Indonesia, which sits on a belt of seismic activity running around the basin of the Pacific Ocean and is home to the highest number of active volcanoes in the world, around 130.
The main concern for airlines regarding volcanic ash is not that it can affect visibility but rather that it could damage jet engines, according to experts.
Ash turns into molten glass when it is sucked into aircraft engines and in extreme cases can cause them to shut down.
Friday, 18 September 2015
AUSTRALIA: South Korean Man Attempts To Set Himself On Fire At Cairns Airport, Faces Court
A South Korean man who poured petrol over himself and waved around a lighter at Cairns airport did so after all his possessions were stolen at the end of the "holiday of a lifetime", a court has heard.
Hanback Chae sparked mass panic at the Cairns domestic terminal in July after he poured five litres of petrol over himself and waved around a lighter while demanding to speak to Jetstar's chief executive.
He had missed an earlier flight and returned to the airport several hours later after buying petrol from a service station.
The 28-year-old, who pleaded guilty, has faced a sentencing hearing in the District Court in Cairns.
Defence barrister Michael Dalton said while Chae's actions were "no doubt stupid and ill-conceived" it was "an overly dramatic protest" against Jetstar which got out of control.
Furthermore, there was no intention to hurt other people.
Chae had been on the "holiday of a lifetime" in Australia, but it soured when all his possessions were stolen towards the end of the trip, the court heard.
His family had sent him money for a plane ticket home.
Chae was described in court as a gentle soul by all accounts and his actions were wildly out of character.
"I was angry at the big company, not persons or people, I love persons, I love people," he told police in an interview.
Thousands evacuated over the incident
Commonwealth prosecutor Kate Milbourne said about 2,000 people were evacuated from the terminal and 12 flights were delayed.
In CCTV footage played to the court, passengers were seen fleeing in terror.
"People were falling over, screaming, running through the barriers and baggage was abandoned," Ms Milbourne told the court.
"The security screening point and airside areas were breached as people, running in fear, to escape the threat were unable to be stopped."
She said the incident occurred on the last Friday of the school holidays when the terminal was very busy and described Chae's breach of the Crimes (Aviation) Act as "very serious".
Chae has been remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing resumes on Friday 24 September.
He pleaded guilty to disrupting services and endangering people's safety at an airport, which could lead to a 14 year sentence.
The Cairns judge who oversaw the matter said he needed more to time to consider the "very unusual" case.
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