Jetstar today operated its first commercial 787 Dreamliner service with flight JQ432 taking off from Melbourne to the Gold Coast.
Over the next four weeks, the 787 will operate daily return services between Melbourne and Cairns and six weekly return services between Melbourne and the Gold Coast before the first international flight takes off for Bali on December 18.
Jetstar expects to have three 787s in operation by early next year.
TravelManagers has confirmed that its 2014 national conference will be held in Singapore from August 15 to 18 at the Raffles City Convention Centre..
The announcement of the venue, along with the change from the usual November date, was met with “huge enthusiasm”, according to the home-based retail firm.
“Singapore Airlines, a premium supplier has been a major influence through its long term relationship and support of TravelManagers and we are extremely grateful for their support for our 2014 conference,” executive general manager Michael Gazal said.
“The 2014 conference provides an opportunity for personal travel managers to familiarize themselves firsthand with the destination and new product as it grows as a re-energised destination in its own right.”
Personal travel managers who complete training and issue at least one policy by 31 March 2014 with TravelManagers’ new insurance partner, Allianz Global Assistance, will receive complimentary conference registration.
China Southern Airlines is preparing for the start of new daily services between its Guangzhou hub and Brisbane with the launch of new business class fares to Paris priced from $5132.
“This is the first time we are going daily out of Brisbane so we are offering very competitive fares to attract more Queensland customers to China and the other destinations we fly to around the world on our popular Canton Route,” general manager Brisbane Edward Wang said.
The new daily service is expected to add an extra 648 seats a week into Brisbane, providing a boost to the local tourism industry.
Adventure operator, G Adventures, has expanded its Australian and New Zealand product by 250% in 2014 as it claimed strong demand for its local itineraries.
The firm said 90% of its inaugural Australian and NZ tours sold out this year, with nine itineraries added to next year's program.
It has introduced a classic style of trip in 2014 to run alongside its existing youth tour brand yolo – you only live once – and its comfort tours.
Air New Zealand has reiterated that it has no intention of launching a takeover bid for alliance partner Virgin Australia.
Chief executive Christopher Luxon told NZ media it was important Virgin remained independent as a listed entity.
