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Emirates teams with Virgin Blue
6 January Emirates and Virgin Blue have teamed up to add more value for frequent flyers.
More choice with SQ
6 January Travellers flying Singapore Airlines economy class can now purchase a specific preferred seat when they make their seat selection for applicable economy class bookings, including KrisFlyer redemption bookings, on singaporeair.com.au.
To Russia with twice the love
5 Januray Emirates Airlines is responding to passenger demand for increased frequency to Russia with a move to double daily flights to Moscow from 2 February.
Will open skies mean closed businesses?
6 January With the Federal Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) suggesting Australia’s skies should be opened to allow foreign airlines to fly domestic routes, Traveltalk’s aviation expert, Geoffrey Thomas, turned his attention to the potential ramifications and risks surrounding this controversial proposal.
Etihad named airline of the year
18 December Etihad Airways has been voted ‘airline of the year’ at the 2008 Arabian Business Achievement Awards, rounding off a year of accolades for the national airline of the United Arab Emirates.
V Australia launches with super low fares
17 December After a delayed start while waiting for new aircraft, V Australia Airlines has surprised many in the industry with a special $1199 fare to launch its new US services – saving up to 45 percent off standard fare levels.
Qantas gets second A380
16 December Qantas has taken delivery of its second A380 aircraft in Toulouse, France, with the aircraft scheduled to arrive in Sydney tomorrow morning, 17 December.
Hawaiian adds third Vegas flight
16 December Growing demand has seen Hawaiian Airlines announce the addition of a third flight between Honolulu and Las Vegas, starting 23 February 2009.
SIA begins Riyadh services
15 December Singapore Airlines has launched its inaugural flight between Singapore and Riyadh, via Dubai, with a special celebration and gifts in the gate-hold room before boarding.
Emirates SFO flights claim green flight record
12 December Emirates' will launch a new sustainability program, when it begins its new San Francisco - Dubai flights on 15 December.
Qantas to resume Bangkok flights
5 December Qantas has confirmed it will resume scheduled resume services to Bangkok from this Saturday - 6 December.
THAI resumes schedule Bangkok services
5 December Thai Airways International will resume normal operations at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airport from today.
Emirates to boost recovery services to Thailand
4 December Emirates will further boost its initiatives to facilitate travel for passengers affected due to the closure of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, with the operation of two additional, special flights.
Oneworld named best alliance
3 December Oneworld has been named the World's Leading Airline Alliance for the sixth year running in the World's Travel Awards.
CX to resume Bangkok flights
3 December Cathay Pacific will resume its flights to Bangkok on Friday, 5 December.
Qantas adds third relief flight
2 December Qantas will operate a third relief flight between Phuket and Singapore in the early hours of Thursday, 4 December.
THAI flies 34 special flights
2 December With Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports remaining closed, Thai Airways International has committed to continuing operation of special flights to transport inconvenienced passengers.
Solomon flights start today
2 December Pacific Blue has commenced flights from Brisbane to the Solomon Islands today, with the inaugural flight departing Queensland at 10.10am.
Bodies retrieved from Air NZ crash site
2 December French search and rescue divers have found a third body and the cockpit of the A320 which crashed into the Mediterranean last week.
Etihad launches maiden flight to Moscow
2 December Etihad Airways has expanded its network with the inauguration of its maiden flights between Abu Dhabi and Moscow.
Tiger banks group profit despite spending spree
1 December After a massive expansion throughout Asia and Australia and more new aircraft, Tiger Aviation - parent company of Tiger Airways and Tiger Airways Australia - has declared a full year group consolidated profit after tax.
Air New Zealand recovers flight recorder
1 December Despite confirming the loss of all crew aboard the crashed Airbus A320, Air New Zealand management have confirmed the retrieval of the first flight recorder, which is expected to provide clues as to the reasons behind the crash.
East Timor to get dedicated airline
1 December Despite its still turbulent relations with neighbouring Indonesia, East Timor government officials are confident they can open the new nation as a business and tourism destination and are negotiating to secure a national airline.
GA holds off Brisbane launch
1 December Garuda Indonesia has amended its decision to relaunch its Brisbane-Denpasar flights until further notice, following slower than anticipated sales being attributed to the global financial crisis.
Air New Zealand A320 crashes in Med
28 November A leased Airbus A320 aircraft, owned by Air New Zealand, has crashed into the Mediterranean.
Virgin Blue upgrades premium economy
28 November Virgin Blue has boosted its premium economy product to provide even more value.
Double glory for Emirates
28 November Emirates Airline has continued its award-winning run with another two accolades at the annual Aviation Business Awards, which were held in Abu Dhabi this week.
Extension for Hawaii early birds
27 November Hawaiian Airlines has extended its ‘Hiki Mua Manu’ earlybird air fare offer to enable travel up to 10 July, 2009.
Qantas cuts profit outlook
27 November With declining demand for international air travel, Qantas has announced a reduced profit outlook for the financial year, with chief executive, Geoff Dixon downgrading the forecast to around $500 million.
Qantas commences Sydney-Buenos Aires services
24 November Qantas has commenced operation of the first non-stop flights between Australia and South America, with the launch of services between Sydney and Buenos Aires.
Tiger gives away free seats
24 November Tiger Airways has celebrated its first birthday by giving away more free seats and slashing fares across a range of routes.
Qatar Airways scoops double award honours
20 November Following on from last year’s success, Qatar Airways has scooped two more prestigious accolades at the World Travel Awards, being named the Middle East’s Leading Business Class Airline, as well as offering the region’s leading airline Lounge.
BA launches mobile phone check in
18 November British Airways has launched remote check-in via mobile phones with wireless connectivity.
Boeing amends B747-8 production program
18 November Boeing has advised an adjusted schedule for production and delivery of its Boeing 747-8 aircraft.
China Southern boosts Christmas flights
19 November China Southern Airlines will increase its frequencies to daily services between Sydney and China from 2 December until 15 February 2009, to accommodate increased demand in the peak Christmas and New Year periods.
Low fares stimulate market growth
14 November Anyone questioning the value of competition when it comes to increasing business need only look to the latest figures released by the Australian Government’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, which show the difference in growth on highly competitive, versus non-competitive air routes in Australia.
Virgin Blue to Bali
13 November Virgin Blue will commence services between Perth and Bali on 1 December.
Smooth as silk to KL
13 November The relationship between Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Singapore Airlines (SQ) has been strengthened following the decision to include SQ’s sister airline, SilkAir, in the existing codeshare arrangement on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route.
Air China launches Airbus A330s between Beijing-Dubai
11 November Air China is deploying its new fleet of Airbus A330s onto its Beijing-Dubai route, effective immediately.
SAA deploys flagship aircraft to Perth route
11 November Big demand by leisure and business passengers has seen South African Airways deploy its newest aircraft, the state-of-the-art A340-600, onto the Perth-Johannesburg route.
China Southern cuts fuel surcharge
11 November China Southern Airlines has reduced one-way fuel surcharges between Australia and China.
Emirates goes double to Milan
10 November Emirates will increase its frequency to Milan to double daily from 1 January 2009.
Air Tahiti Nui offer last minute special
7 Novenber Travellers able to book a Tahiti getaway by 30 November will make huge savings, with a new ‘Majestic Tahiti’ deal launched by Air Tahiti Nui.
SIA sounds warning after half-year profit
7 November Singapore Airlines is greeting its latest profit announcement with mixed feelings.
Virgin starts Port Moresby flights
5 November Virgin Blue’s international airline, Pacific Blue, has commenced its Brisbane to Port Moresby services using its fleet of Boeing 737-800 jet aircraft.
SIA offers preferred seat selection
5 November Singapore Airlines has enhanced its online bookings to now allow passengers access preferred seating.
Qantas signs on ninemsn
4 November Qantas has added Internet news services to its A380 offering with a ninemsn providing hourly updates, via a link to ninemsn.
Air NZ speeds domestic airports
3 November Air New Zealand has launched a new range of technical and design innovations that will help customers save time and get through domestic airports faster.
Perth welcomes new low cost flights
3 November Perth has welcomed its newest low cost airline, with the arrival of AirAsia X’s inaugural flight between Kuala Lumpur and Western Australia yesterday.
Etihad takes three at World Travel Awards
30 October Etihad Airways has scooped top honours at the World Travel Awards (WTA), picking up a hat trick, including the top accolades for the Middle East’s leading airline, leading first class and leading travel website.
Qantas fined $20million for cargo price fixing
29 October Australia’s national flag carrier, Qantas, has entered a Deed of Settlement to pay fines of $20 million for participating in a price-fixing cartel within its freight division.
Hawaiian adds more long haul Airbus
28 October Hawaiian Airlines has today upgraded its long-range fleet with the acquisition of two new wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Air Mauritius reduces fuel surcharge
27 October Air Mauritius has amended its fuel surcharge with immediate effect.
More flights for Fiji
24 October Despite talk of recession and a looming financial crisis, short haul international travel from Australia is booming, with Asia attracting record numbers of visitors and Fiji showing strong signs of recovery.
Low fares drive air market
23 October Anyone questioning the value of competition to increase business need only look to the latest figures released by the Australian Government’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics which show the difference in growth on highly competitive, versus non-competitive air routes in Australia.
EK doubles up on Russia
Growing business and leisure tourism has seen Emirates Airline announce double daily flights to Moscow - with the launch of an extra daily service from 2 February 2009.
SriLankan and Etihad codeshare
23 October SriLankan Airlines and Etihad Airways have expanded their codeshare partnership.
SWISS lowers fuel surcharge
22 October SWISS has joined a growing number of airlines cutting fuel surcharges in the wake of collapsing oil prices, which are now hovering around US$66 per barrel.
Emirates opens Zurich lounge
22 October Emirates has rolled out its latest business lounge with Zurich, the latest airport to enjoy the upgraded facilities.
Virgin heads outback in WA
21 October Virgin Blue has launched flights to two new destinations in the Western Australian outback, along with an additional flight between Perth and Broome.
Jetstar to fly Gold Coast-Cairns
20 October Gold Coast Airport has welcomed news that Jetstar has committed to fly three times weekly flights into Cairns, linking two of Queensland’s key tourism cities.
Air NZ launches fuel saver technology
20 October Air New Zealand has begun flying its first RNP-enabled flight from Sydney to Queenstown, after becoming the first Airbus operator in the world to have an entire Airbus fleet enabled by Required Navigation Performance (RNP).
New BA Europe Early Birds
20 October British Airways has launched an early bird offer to London which includes a complimentary side trip to Europe.
Tiger Airways to expand Asia and Australia
16 October Tiger Airways has confirmed it is in discussions with airports from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cambodia and Australia to build new destinations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Qatar to launch daily Doha-New York flights
16 October Despite the ongoing Boeing strike, Qatar Airways remains on schedule to launch daily non-stop flights between Doha and New York, with flights scheduled to depart from 26 October.
Mildura moves into jet service
16 October Virgin Blue Airlines has made its first foray in to north-west Victoria with the commencement of new daily e-jet services between Melbourne and Mildura.
Lufthansa launches Europe Early Birds
15 October Recent capacity increases on its European sectors has seen Lufthansa release early bird specials to Europe, with prices starting from $1436 plus taxes.
Pacific Blue launches AKL-SYD
15 October Pacific Blue has begun flying its newest trans-Tasman route with flights between Auckland to Sydney starting today.
Norfolk Air suspends some services
15 October A detailed review of operations has seen Norfolk Air suspend a number of services to and from Norfolk Island.
Air Canada adds new ski fares
13 October Air Canada has launched a great deal for Australians looking for a spectacular ski holiday.
Emirates cuts fares to Europe
10 October Emirates has launched a new range of discounted European summer fares to destinations including France, Italy, Greece and Germany.
Qantas flies A380 to New Zealand
9 October Qantas will fly its new A380 aircraft into New Zealand tonight, marking the first time a super-jumbo has visited the nation.
Etihad sets new records
9 October Etihad Airways continues to set new records with its latest passenger figures for the first nine months, which show a 35 percent rise on the same period last year.
Virgins join in interline agreement
8 October Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Blue have announced a new interline agreement to provide seamless travel on both carriers.
CSA adds new flights and schedules
8 October China Southern Airlines will introduce new daylight schedules from Sydney and Melbourne to Guangzhou, China from 26 October.
Hawaiian builds interisland fleet
8 October Hawaiian Airlines has committed to a significant increase in interisland flights with 110 new weekly services to be added by the end of 2008.
Last minute fares for Tahiti
8 Ocotber Air Tahiti Nui has launched a new ‘La Orana Tahiti’ deal for quick bookings and 2008 departures.
Air NZ downsizes Hamilton flights
6 October Air New Zealand is to suspend services between Hamilton and Sydney and the Gold Coast during low season periods for 2009.
Delta-Northwest merger approved
6 October US-based airline groups, Delta and Northwest are set to merge to create one of the world’s largest global carriers.
Pacific Blue adds Solomon Islands
6 October Pacific Blue is expanding its footprint with more trans-Tasman flights and direct flights between Brisbane and the Solomon Islands.
V Australia start delayed
3 October Ongoing strike action at Boeing’s Seattle plant has forced Virgin Blue Airlines Group to delay its planned 15 December launch of long-haul international subsidiary V Australia.
SWISS opens mobile phone booking system
2 October SWISS has launched a new online service allowing customers to book their flights online from their mobile phone.
Bangkok Airways chases the vision
2 October Bangkok Airways recently announced its plan to become the leading airline for the Mekong region (Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) within the next three years.
Garuda Indonesia offers Bali flight change
1 October With Garuda Indonesia set to recommence its Brisbane-Bali flights from 14 December, the airline is offering travellers currently ticketed to fly via Sydney the opportunity to transfer to a direct Garuda flight from Brisbane, without penalty.
SIA and SilkAir build KL frequency
1 October Singapore Airlines and SilkAir are increasing frequencies between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur with up to 15 flights a day offered from 1 December 2008.
SIA offers Cartoon Network meal option
1 October Singapore Airlines has launched a fun meal option for children with specially designed lunch boxes featuring popular characters from Cartoon Network shows such as PowerPuff Girls and Ben 10.
Air NZ expands domestic sectors
30 September Air New Zealand will launch a new direct service between the North Island wine city of Masterton and Auckland from Monday 16 February 2009, using its Eagle Air subsidiary.
Continental flies to Sapporo for ski season
29 September Continental Airlines is increasing services to Japan to cater for growing demand for ski holidays in the popular resort city of Sapporo.
Tiger quadruples Singapore-KL
25 September Tiger Airways will increase flights between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur by 400 percent from 1 December 2008.
Tiger farewells Darwin with $99.95 fares
25 September The high cost of operating from Darwin airport has seen ultra-low fare airline, Tiger Airways close its operations in the city after three years.
Qantas A380 to visit Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth
24 September Qantas has confirmed it will fly its new Airbus A380 to Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth as part of its program of pilot training flights and promotional flights.
SIA adds more flights to Arabia and eastern Med
24 September Singapore Airlines is building its capacity and frequency into the booming Arabian Peninsula region with new operations to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, commencing on 14 December 2008.
Garuda restarts Brisbane flights
22 September Riding on the back of Pacific Blue’s announcement it will commence flights between Brisbane and Bali, Garuda Indonesia has responded with the re-instatement of its services from the Queensland capital.
Air Pacific launches Gold Coast flights
22 September Air Pacific will expand its Australia-Fiji services with the introduction of twice-weekly flights between the Gold Coast and Nadi.
Virgin stars new NZ flights
22 September Virgin Blue’s international subsidiary, Pacific Blue, has launched its first non-stop service from Melbourne to Auckland.
UA voted best for Asia
22 September United Airlines has been named the Best North American Airline in Asia at the recent Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Travel Awards.
Qantas ready to take delivery of first A380
19 September Qantas is preparing to welcome its first Airbus A380 with the aircraft scheduled to arrive in Sydney at 9am on 21 September.
Pacific Blue heads to Bali
19 September Pacific Blue Airlines is expanding its international route network in Asia, with the launch of 11 direct flights a week between Australia and Bali from 1 December 2008.
Jetstar to fly daily Darwin-Bali
17 September Qantas is set to start a daily flight between Darwin and Denpasar Bali, commencing 3 December.
Virgin to fly Brisbane- Launceston
16 September Virgin Blue Airlines will launch a brand new seasonal service between Brisbane and Launceston to provide direct access between the two destinations over the popular summer months.
Air New Zealand cuts aircraft emissions
16 September Air New Zealand is reinforcing its claim to the title of the world’s most environmentally responsible airline by installing new equipment that will reduce the carbon emissions from its international jet fleet.
Virgin Blue Joins Forces with Airlines PNG
15 September Virgin Blue’s international airline, Pacific Blue, has entered into a Heads of Agreement with Airlines PNG that will lead to the commencement of code-share services between Port Moresby and Brisbane from November 2008.
Etihad enjoys record summer
15 September Etihad Airways has enjoyed its busiest northern summer period in its four year history, with more than 1.6 million passengers flying onboard the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s flights between June and August.
Qantas upgrades e-check
11 September Qantas is set to add a range of new online check-in options for passengers, including paperless check-in.
Air Mauritius cuts two-stop routes
10 September Air Mauritius has made major changes to its network and frequencies as the impact of jet fuel process bites hard.
Continental moves London and adds Rio
9 September Continental Airlines has made changes to its network with a move to London Heathrow, and new flights from Houston to Rio de Janeiro.
Virgin takes care of business
8 September Virgin Blue continues to expand its product line with the unveiling of a new suite of enhancements for the business market, including lie-flat international business class beds and a new, in-flight bar for long-haul overseas flights aboard V Australia.
AirAsia X names Melbourne
5 September AirAsia X, Malaysia’s low-cost carrier, has named Melbourne as its third Australian destination, with flights between Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur set to commence on 12 November, initially with four flights per week, then increasing to daily from December.
UA adds MEL- LAX non stop flights
4 September United Airlines will operate a daily non-stop flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles to cater for increased demand over the Christmas period.
Qantas responds to CASA safety review
3 September Qantas continues to work to rebuild its safety reputation with chief executive, Geoff Dixon, confirming the airline will work closely with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to implement any recommendations contained in its review of the airline’s engineering and maintenance operations, which was received today.
Tiger doubles up Tasmania
3 September Tiger Airways is set to increase the number of flights it operates to double daily frequencies between Melbourne and both of its Tasmanian destinations of Launceston and Hobart.
Virgin increases business appeal
2 September Virgin Blue has unveiled a suite of new product enhancements for the business market, including lie-flat international business class beds, new in-flight bars for V Australia and a new ‘The Lounge’ facility at Sydney T2 domestic terminal.
Qantas readies for new A380
2 September The first Qantas Airbus A380 is a step closer to flying into Australia after departing Hamburg, Germany for Toulouse, France over the weekend.
Emirates offers double-daily changes for Perth
1 September Travellers flying from Perth will enjoy a double dose of luxury with Emirates adding a second daily flight to its schedule.
Qantas expands US codeshare
1 September Qantas is to grow its North American network with expanded codeshare relationships with US carriers Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.
Polynesian Blue banks NZ$9.18 million
29 August Polynesian Blue Airlines has announced a record pre-tax profit of NZ$9.18 million dollars for the previous financial year – a 71 percent jump from last year’s pre-tax profit of NZ$5.363 million.
Tiger adds Perth-Adelaide daily
28 August Tiger Airways continues to spread its wings from its Adelaide hub with new flights between Perth and the South Australian capital from 1 March 2009.
NZ needs to up tourism spend
28 August Air New Zealand is calling on the government to increase its commitment to tourism in the face of softening global demand and travellers’ growing environmental consciousness.
Air NZ profits slump
27 August Fuel has been blamed for a 24 percent decline in profits for Air New Zealand, as the airline reported its financial performance yesterday.
Demand up for northern Europe
27 August Increasing interest for its upcoming winter program has seen Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) relaunch its popular seasonal Bangkok-Stockholm flights as well as new Copenhagen-Delhi and Copenhagen-Dubai routes.
Tiger Airways adds more to Alice Springs, Sunshine Coast and Perth
27 August Tiger Airways has continued its growth strategy from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport with additional services to three of its current routes.
Air NZ on track for bio-fuel trial
27 August Air New Zealand is progressing trials of sustainable fuels, moving a step closer to a bio-fuel test flight using one of its Boeing 747-400 aircraft.
Qatar flies Doha - New York daily non-stop
26 August Qatar Airways will operate direct non-stop daily services from its Doha hub to New York's JFK International Airport from 26 October, using a brand new Boeing 777.
Virgin expands in WA
26 August Virgin Blue is set to expand its presence in Western Australia with the launch of two new ports and the doubling of flights to and from Broome.
THAI cuts mid-week fares
25 August Thai Airways International has launched a special mid-week promotional fare to Bangkok, saving hundreds of dollars on standard fare levels.
No baggage bonus for Virgin Blue
25 August Virgin Blue has launched a new range of seasonal fares for travellers with no baggae.
More Cathay for Australia
25 August Growing demands for Australia has seen Cathay Pacific increase flights between Hong Kong and its key Australia gateways of Brisbane, Sydney and Perth.
Qantas offers iPhone site
22 August Riding on the popularity of mobile phones, Qantas has launched a 3G-version of the airline’s Website, designed especially for the new Apple iPhone.
Jetstar Asia flight damaged on landing
22 August More woes for Qantas group with a Jetstar Asia A320 flight partially sliding off a runway while landing in Cambodia.
Qantas A380 takes to the skies
21 August Qantas has reached another milestone with its A380 project, with the airline's first aircraft flying for the first time in its new Qantas livery.
Emirates launches UK getaway deals
20 August Emirates has launched a new range of UK fares from Western Australia, for bookings made before 8 September.
Virgin report shows ups and downs
20 August Virgin Blue has reported a year of mixed performance, with its Annual General Meeting showing revenues up, profits down and expansion for 2009.
SIA goes double daily Singapore-Delhi
19 August Singapore Airlines will increase its frequency on the Singapore-Delhi route to double daily up from the current nine flights a week, from 1 September 2008.
Etihad launches Belarus flights
19 August Etihad Airways became the first airline from the Gulf region to fly to Belarus, with the launch of a twice-weekly service to the country’s capital, Minsk.
SIA clocks 1000 A380 flights
19 August After commencing services in October 2008, Singapore Airlines has already loged more than 1000 commercial flights using its A380 super-jumbo.
Tiger confirms strong first quarter
19 August While other airline languish in the fear of rising petrol costs, Tiger Aviation has confirmed strong passenger growth of 73.7 percent for the three months ending 30 June 2008, compared to the previous year.
Austrian named among world’s best
18 August Skytrax has again named Austrian Airlines as one of the world’s best airline, with the carrier taking out three major awards.
Jetstar Asia voted best LCC in Asia
18 August Jetstar Asia continued the brand’s winning streak, being named as the 2008 SkyTrax Best Low-Cost Airline Award in Asia and South East Asia.
Virgin Blue strikes gold in Skytrax
15 August Virgin Blue has reclaimed its title of best low-cost airline (Australia/Pacific) in the latest Skytrax airline survey.
Air Tahiti Nui named best in Pacific
15 August Skytrax has named Air Tahiti Nui as the ‘Best Airline – Pacific Region’ and ‘Best Cabin Staff Pacific’, for the sixth consecutive year.
Qantas increase South Africa flights
15 August Qantas is to add a further flight to its Sydney-Johannesburg services, taking frequency from five to six flights per week.
Adelaide-Melbourne first for Tiger
15 August Melbourne has been named as the first destination to obtain increased capacity from Tiger Airways new Adelaide base.
Qantas adds more WA flights
14 August Growth across Western Australia’s mining and tourism sectors have seen Qantas announce it will increase capacity between Perth and the Western Australian regional destinations of Kalgoorlie, Newman, Paraburdoo and Port Hedland.
Austrian plays a new record
14 August Australian Airlines has set a new record with its first half-year data showing more than 5.2 million passengers flew with the carrier between January and June.
Qantas faces testing times
13 August I doubt if anyone within the Qantas management team would agree with the old adage that ‘all publicity is good publicity as long as they spell your name right’; but is our national carrier flying into trouble, or is it purely a victim of circumstance?
SIA goes all-business to LAX
13 August Less than three months after launching its non-stop all-business class flights to New York (Newark), Singapore Airlines has expanded the landmark service to include flights into Los Angeles.
Virgin cuts Sydney-Auckland to $199
13 August Virgin Blue has announced a major expansion of its international network, with new flights to and from Sydney.
Qantas grounds six B737s for checks
13 August Qantas is to remove six of its Boeing B737-400 aircraft from service while it cross-checks maintenance records relating to aircraft modification work carried out at one of its Australian facilities.
Tiger doubles up Perth-Melbourne
6 August Tiger Airways is to double its daily frequencies between Perth and Melbourne, with a staged increase 2 October.
Emirates begins superjumbo flights
6 August Only weeks after taking delivery of its first all-new Airbus super jumbo, Emirates has made history with its inaugural A380 flight into the United States.
Tiger opens Adelaide and closes Darwin
6 August The changing fortunes of the aviation sector have again come to the fore, with Tiger Airways outlining an aggressive expansion across Australia while closing down flights from its former Darwin hub.
CASA to work with Qantas
5 August Qantas has confirmed it will work with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on the latest review relating to some of the airline’s operations.
Tiger Airways suspends services to Darwin
1 August High fuel and the “uneconomical cost of operating to Darwin Airport”, has seen Tiger Airways suspend its services between Darwin and Singapore, and Darwin-Melbourne.
SWISS posts solid first-half profit
31 July With its fuel hedges partly offsetting substantially higher jet fuel prices, SWISS has achieved a solid result for the first half of 2008, with the group reporting earnings before interest and taxes of A$265 million (CHF262 million) for the first six months.
Air NZ revamps baggage costs
30 July Air New Zealand is slashing domestic baggage charges with passengers now allowed to increase their baggage weight to 25 kilograms.
Emirates buys 60 new aircraft
30 July Emirates has purchased 60 wide-bodied aircraft to support the expansion of its international route network, with the airline’s chief executive siging a letter of intent with Airbus for 30 Airbus A330-300s and 30 Airbus A350 XWBs.
Skywest cuts Mebourne
30 July WA-based regional carrier, Skywest Airlines, will suspend its Kalgoorlie-Melbourne flights from 3 November sa a result of poor economics.
Emirates to go twice from Brisbane
30 July Booming demand has seen Emirates announce it will increase its Brisbnae frequencies to double daily with a second daily service to Dubai from 2 February 2009.
SriLankan cuts to minimise fuel impact
30 July SriLankan Airlines is acting swiftly to minimise the impact of skyrocketing fuel prices with a series of decisive actions being employed throughout the airline.
Continental gets flat beds
29 July Continental Airlines has joined the trend with the installation of new 180-degree lie-flat beds for business class passengers.
Bali gets triple daily from Perth
29 July Bali continues to set new records with Garuda Indonesia announcing it will begin triple-daily flights to the island from next month.
Emirates takes first A380 into fleet
29 July Emirates has today taken delivery of its first Airbus A380 superjumbo, with a handover at the aircraft maker’s new Jürgen Thomas A380 Delivery Centre.
Joyce named as new Qantas chief
28 July Jetstar chief executive, Alan Joyce is set to take over the reins at Qantas following the retirement of Geoff Dixon in November.
Etihad to fly from Melbourne
28 July After enjoying enormous success with its Sydney and Brisbane services, Etihad Airways, has announced dates for a non-stop daily services from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi, from March 2009.
Virgin launches Melbourne-Auckland
28 July Virgin Blue is to commence more flights across the Tasman with daily direct services between Melbourne and Auckland from 22 September 2008.
New technology to help NZ ski flights
28 July Holidaymakers travelling between Australia and Queenstown are set to benefit from a new technology that is hoped will improve the reliability of Air New Zealand’s services into the country’s winter playground.
Qantas investigates mid-air drama
25 July Qantas has confirmed one of its B747-400 aircraft operating between Hong Kong and Melbourne was diverted to Manila today following a loss of cabin pressure.
Emirates creates jumbo London landmark
24 July Emirates Airline has unveiled a new landmark for London - a one-third scale model of an Airbus A380 at the gateway to Heathrow Airport.
Air NZ bags Virgin
23 July Air New Zealand has launched a scathing attack on Pacific Blue over DJ’s plans to introduce new fees for baggage.
LAN and Qantas go non-stop to Argentina
21 July Growing demand for South America travel has seen LAN ARGENTINA announce the introduction of codeshare services from Australia, with three new non-stop flights per week between Sydney and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Tiger Airways builds fleet and service
21 July Tiger Airways has signed a contract with Melbourne-based John Holland Aviation Services to expand its current engineering support arrangements, to also include major heavy maintenance ‘C’ Checks of Tiger Airways’ Australian based Airbus aircraft.
Air NZ takes off for Beijing
18 July Air New Zealand has commenced its first non-stop service between Auckland and Beijing, with a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft departing Auckland last night.
Alitalia expands network
18 July Alitalia has expanded its international network, introducing five weekly flights between its Rome hub and Los Angeles.
Air NZ offers $2 airfares
17 July Air New Zealand is set to run a $2 seat sale promotion using its website - http://www.grabseat.co.nz.
Austrian flies record passengers
17 July Australian Airlines has set a new record with its first half-year passenger data showing more than 5.2 million passengers flew with the carrier.
Etihad places massive order
15 July While many other airlines cut back their fleets, Etihad Airways has placed one of the largest aircraft orders in commercial aviation history at the UK’s Farnborough International Airshow.
Continental named best in US
15 July Continental Airlines has taken out a string of awards in Executive Travel Magazine's 2008 Leading Edge Awards.
Cathay flying high
15 July Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair continue to show growth with its June passenger data showing an increase of 12.7 percent increase over the same month last year.
Toll separates from Virgin Blue
14 July Logistics company, Toll, has outlined its exit plan to separate from Virgin Blue with a special dividend offering, providing all Toll shareholders with Virgin Blue shares on a one for one basis.
Etihad flies high in 2008
10 July After its most successful global launch in Sydney, Etihad Airways has continued its success with a record-breaking 2008, as its passenger figures for the first six months jump 41 per cent on the same period last year.
LAN offers Business Class Airpass
10 July LAN Airlines has expanded its popular South America Airpass, introducing a new Business Class version.
RJ grows pax 30 percent
6 July Royal Jordanian Airlines continues to grow with passenger numbers increasing by 30 percent in May, compared to the corresponding pervious year.
V Australia adds Brisbane flights
4 July Virgin Group international airline, V Australia, has expanded its plans for transpacific flights with an announcement today that the airline will launch direct flights between Brisbane and Los Angeles.
Qantas to open domestic business lounges
3 July Qantas has begun its launch of new, dedicated domestic business class lounges within its key airport terminals.
Air New Zealand fares to rise
3 July Air New Zealand has announced airfare increases across many routes as a measure to combat record high jet fuel prices.
More flights to Africa
2 July South African Airways has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to allow additional flights on the Australia-South Africa ‘Wallaby’ route.
Qantas adds new aircraft for Perth-Melbourne
2 July Qantas has begun its proposed changes to aircraft, replacing its Boeing 747-300 aircraft on the Perth-Melbourne route with brand new Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
CX fined for cargo breach
1 July Cathay Pacific Airways has entered into a plea agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the ongoing investigation relating to air cargo services.
Air New Zealand seeks industry input
1 July Air New Zealand has appointed one of the country’s top tourism operators, to its Board.
Tiger claims best performance
1 July Tiger Airways Australia has commenced its reporting of on-time performance and cancellations, with a perfect score in its first report.
China Southern flies to Kathmandu
30 June China Southern Airlines now offers nonstop flights from Guangzhou to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, gateway to the Himalayas and the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest.
Fly early bird with Air Tahiti Nui
24 June Get in early for new early bird fares to Tahiti, which are on sale until 6 July.
Qantaslink cuts for fuel
17 June QantasLink has joined its sister airlines in Qantas group with news it will cut services to compensate for fuel costs.
Jet Airways launches hot new fare
17 June Jet Airways has released a range of hot new fares from Australia to a range of destinations in India.
Tiger hits out at Qantas cuts
17 June The war of words continues between Tiger Airways and Qantas Group, with the low-cost airline criticising ongoing news relating to service cuts within Qantas group.
Goodbye to paper tickets
16 June It’s the end of an era, with air travellers waving goodbye to paper tickets, with all global airlines now required to operate 100 per cent on ‘paperless’ e-tickets.
More flights for Bali
16 June Jetstar has launched sales on its latest international network expansion – a three times weekly service between Perth and Bali using an Airbus A320 aircraft.
Virgin Blue cuts flights for fuel
15 June Virgin Blue has followed Qantas’ lead by axing flights to cut costs in response to record-high fuel prices.
Emirates adds more India
15 June Emirate has announced plans to advance its Indian operation with 18 additional flights per week from 1 July 2008.
Hawaiian expands interisland fleet
10 June Hawaiian Airlines has announced that it will expand its interisland fleet with the addition of four Boeing 717-200 aircraft to better meet the needs of Hawaii’s interisland travelers in the wake of the shutdown of Aloha Airlines on 1 April.
Fuel saving arrivals trialled in US
10 June A ground-breaking initiative at San Francisco Airport to increase the efficiency of air traffic is resulting in significant fuel and emission savings for Air New Zealand.
Gold Coast back on Japanese map
9 June While many Australian destinations are enduring airline cuts from Japan, the Gold Coast is bucking the trend, attracting an increase in direct flights.
Fuel places global prosperity at risk
9 June Global economies will be at risk if airlines are forced to dramatically reduce their operations and close important routes due to record high fuel costs, according to a peak tourism industry association.
Tiger commits to low fares
6 June With Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Blue cutting their networks, low fare competitor, Tiger Airways is already making moves to secure services into destinations abandoned by other airlines.
Air NZ cuts capacity and ups fares
6 June Air New Zealand has adjusted its capacity and is set to launch a range of pricing changes in response to the continued high cost of fuel and changes in demand.
SIA gets new look for crew
6 June Singapore Airlines male cabin crew will take on a fresh look from the end of the month with a new uniform to complement the legendary sarong kebaya worn by the airline’s female cabin crew.
ATEC: Australian tourism facing disaster
5 June Australia’s peak tourism industry body, the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has come out for the second time in a few days portraying tourism as an industry facing disaster.
Fuel forces UA capacity cuts
5 June United Airlines has announced significant fleet, capacity and personnel changes, to meet a new future with skyrocketing fuel prices.
Garuda Indonesia expands Australian capacity
5 June Garuda Indonesia has responded to increased demand for Bali by adding extra capacity from Darwin, Melbourne and Sydney, with further additions from Perth anticipated.
Jetstar Asia expands network
4 June Jetstar’s low fare Asia airline, is expanding its network to include Cambodia’s two major cities - Siem Reap and Phnom.
Technical delays hit Qantas
4 June The prolonged dispute over wages and salaries is biting hard into Qantas with an ongoing wave of delays resulting in passenger protests and Federal Police called to settle an uprising in the airline’s business class lounge.
Goodbye to paper tickets
3 June After several years of transition, the era of paper tickets has disappeared with airlines now required to operate 100 per cent on ‘paperless’ e-tickets.
Norfolk Island gets new airline
3 June Norfolk Island will see the arrival of a new airline, with Norfolk Air signing a contract with Nauru-based Our Airline to provide flights between Norfolk Island and Australia from 21 May 21 next year.
Air Pacific flies into profit
2 June Fiji’s return to favour with travellers has helped the nation’s airline, Air Pacific Group, achieve a record profit before tax of F$38.2-million for the financial year ending 31 March 2008.
More Jetstar for Newcastle
2 June Newcastle Airport has expanded its services, with Jetstar adding more flights from the coastal city.
Air Pacific increases fares
30 May Air Pacific has joined other airlines by increasing its fares as a result of record high oil prices.
UA teams with Jet Airways
29 May United Airlines and India’s Jet Airways have signed a codeshare agreement that will significantly expand the number of flights available to customers of both carriers to travel between the US and India.
SAS offers new flexibility for Europe
29 May Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has launched a new, completely flexible fare structure on its intercontinental services to Europe, allowing complete combinability between all service cabins and booking classes on the one round-trip ticket.
Emirates leads polls
28 May Emirates Airline continues its award-winning streak with four major awards for excellence at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2008 ceremony in Dubai.
OpenSkies begins sales for all business flights
28 May British Airways has announced the commencement of seat sales for its all-new subsidiary, OpenSkies, which will operate a new level of premium services across the Atlantic.
Qantas makes desperate changes to routes
28 May Continuing high fuel prices has seen Qantas group annunce a new range of cost cutting measures, iuncluding the axing of flights and capacity cuts.
SIA confirms e-ticket completion
27 May Singapore Airlines has advised it has completed its implementation of e-ticketing systems across all its sectors, and those of its 138 interline partners.
Emirates 100% paperless
26 May Emirates has confirmed it is now operating in a 100% paperless ticket environment, weeks ahead of IATA’s 1 June deadline.
Etihad opens new business lounge
26 May Etihad Airways has opened a new dedicated business class lounge at its Abu Dhabi airport home base, offering customers a state-of-the-art sanctuary for relaxation, entertainment and around-the-clock dining.
Pilot shortage sends Jetstar offshore
26 May Qantas confirmed its low-fare subsidiary, Jetstar, was supplementing its domestic recruitment for pilots with overseas placements.
Qantas adds premium cabin to Pacific
23 May Qantas has opened sales for its new premium economy cabin on flights from Australia to Los Angeles.
SIA increases A380 to London
23 May The popularity of new A380 flights between Singapore and London has seen Singapore Airlines announce it will add additional services on the sector from 16 July 2008.
Fuel pushes Qantas fares up
23 May Record high fuel prices has seen Qantas announce increases to its international and domestic fares.
SWISS business seat sets new benchmark
22 May Switzerland’s national airline, SWISS, is adopting a mould-breaking new seating concept for its intercontinental business class cabins.
Passenger loads fall
22 May The economic slowdown in the United States is biting into the airline industry's revenue according to a report presented at the 2008 Airline Distribution Conference in Kuala Lumpur last month.
Virgin lands B777 simulator
22 May Virgin Blue’s new international Airline, V Australia, has officially commissioned Australia’s first Boeing 777 aircraft simulator, as it prepares to launch long-haul flights into the US later this year.
Norfolk Air heads to Gold Coast
21 May Norfolk Air has confirmed plans to commence direct flights into the Gold Coast from 2 October 2008.
Qantas hits back at Union
21 May Qantas has struck out at the ACTU following its dispute with the Australian Licensed Engineers Association (ALAEA), stating comments made by the ACTU fundamentally misrepresented industrial relations at the airline.
Jetstar to fly daily Japan service to Gold Coast
20 May Jetstar is set to change its current daily Sydney-Osaka-Brisbane services to route through the Gold Coast.
Fiji proves resilient
19 May Fiji tourism officials are cautiously optimistic they have turned the corner, with arrival figures showing a strong first quarter for Australian visitors.
Qantas trials fuel saver technology
19 May Qantas is trailing a new technology that maximises aircraft efficiencies by optimising the aircraft’s flight path and ‘tuning’ into optimal weather conditions, wind patterns.
SIA goes all-business flights to Big Apple
16 May Singapore Airlines has redefined long-haul air travel with the launch of its new all-business class flights, on the world’s longest commercial flight between Singapore and New York.
SIA writes billion dollar profit
16 May Singapore Airlines Group continues its stellar growth, reporting a SG$2.1 billion dollar profit for the year.
Air NZ builds Aviation Academy
Air New Zealand is to establish an aviation academy to develop and nurture home-grown pilots, cabin crew, engineers and specialist airline management staff.
Union cancels Qantas action
16 May Qantas has had a win over industrial action proposed by the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineer’s Association (ALAEA), with the union cancelling today’s plans for strike action.
Tasman and Pacific fares to jump
15 May Air New Zealand’s trans-Tasman and Pacific Island airfares are to rise by an average three percent as a result of ever increasing fuel prices.
Air Asia X to land in Perth
15 May Burgeoning low fare airline, Air Asia X, has announced new flights to commence between its Kuala Lumpur hub and the Western Australian gateway of Perth.
Qantas prepares for union dispute
15 May Qantas has put in place measures to minimise the likely impact on customers during the Australian Licensed Engineers Association’s (ALAEA) four-hour stop work meetings on Friday.
Jetstar chases family with new website
14 May Low fare airline, Jetstar, is launching a new website dedicated to family travel, with specialised information and tips for travelling with children.
LAN launches new South America Airpass
14 May LAN Airlines has released its 2008-09 South America Airpass, offering a wide range of travel options within and between nine countries - Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Austrian adds flexi-fare option
14 May Austrian Airlines has launched a competitive new range of Super Flexi Non Seasonal fares for travel from Australia to Europe.
Etihad opens Sydney maintenance
13 May Etihad Airways has opened a new dedicated aircraft line maintenance facility at Sydney airport - the first of its kind outside the airline’s home base of Abu Dhabi.
Report shows more crashes and fewer deaths
9 May The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 44th annual Safety Report, showing
SriLankan Airlines names new CEO
8 May SriLankan Airlines has appointed Manoj Gunawardena as its new chief executive.
Super low business fares to Europe
8 May Online