Founded by Max Farndale 1947 - 2018
A Hong Kong-listed travel company has bought three parcels of land in Auckland for $9 million, where it plans to build accommodation units for Chinese tourists and to take advantage of the "critical housing shortage" in New Zealand's biggest city.
Orient Victory Travel Group Company, which is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, sells plane tickets, travel services, jewellery and financial services. The company has been "exploring opportunities to expand its travel related business in order to add momentum to the growth of the group", it said in a statement published to the Hong Kong stock exchange.
The three parcels of undeveloped land, totalling about 15,700 square metres, are adjacent to each other in Auckland's Silverdale, and the company said it is a good investment opportunity for it to boost revenue and increase profitability.
"The land is located in a tourism hub in North Auckland with close proximity to motorway, public transport, local amenities and popular tourist attractions," it said. "Identifying critical housing shortage in Auckland, the board believes that the property market of the nearby location where the land is situated has significant growth potential."
It intends to build self-serviced units on the land, with around 62 percent of the units to be used for accommodation for Chinese tour groups organised by the China Comfort Travel Group Company, of which Orient Victory Travel owns half.
"The acquisition will bring synergy effects to the travel business of the group's invested entity, and will also provide an additional source of income for the group through the daily operations as Auckland tourist boom rolls on, which is in line with the group's long-term strategy," it said.
| A BusinessDesk/Sharechat release || August 14, 2017 |||
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Singapore Airlines has launched an all-new Singapore Airlines HighFlyer programme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to get more mileage out of flights on company business. The new corporate travel programme is designed to reward both corporates and employees when they fly with Singapore Airlines and SilkAir.
Corporates will earn HighFlyer points while employees continue to earn KrisFlyer miles each time an employee flies with Singapore Airlines or SilkAir, making it a more rewarding way to travel for business. With no minimum annual travel spend required, corporates earn five HighFlyer points for every S$1 spend on tickets booked through Singapore Airlines’ corporate booking platform or an appointed travel agent.
Businesses have the flexibility of choosing how and when to utilise HighFlyer points earned, with the option to offset future ticket purchases partially or in full for flights on Singapore Airlines or SilkAir to more than 100 destinations across 30 countries.
Through a self-service web portal, corporates can check HighFlyer points balance, utilise HighFlyer points, manage travellers and bookings, and download e-statements.
Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mr Campbell Wilson, said, “We are pleased to launch the Singapore Airlines HighFlyer programme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. We are always looking for more ways to delight our customers and make their journey with us more rewarding. The Singapore Airlines HighFlyer programme highlights Singapore Airlines’ commitment to constantly enhance the benefits for our corporate clients and business travellers.”
Corporates that reach a stipulated annual spend will have the choice of transferring to the Singapore Airlines Corporate Travel Programme, a corporate programme for large businesses to enjoy corporate fares and additional benefits.
For more information about the Singapore Airlines HighFlyer programme, please visit: singaporeair.com/highflyer
| A Singapore Airlines release || August 12, 2017 |||
Which airlines have young, shiny new aircraft – and which have the oldest and creakiest? A Swiss operation that specialises in providing up-to-date airline intelligence has revealed the answer and given specifics.
The Swiss firm is Ch-aviation. It shows that in our own region, Virgin Australia has reason to smile, as does Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui and Qantas’ Auckland-based trans-Tasman subsidiary Jetconnect.
Taking first place with the youngest fleet in the world is Norwegian UK. The average age of a Norwegian UK plane is just under one year. Hard to beat that!
Rounding out the rest of the world’s top five – all with an average fleet age of less than two years – are two Chinese airlines Colorful Guizhou Airlines (hands up anyone who’s heard of that!) and Loong Air (ditto) along with Germany’s Eurowings, and Swiss Global Air Lines.
Here’s a fine old plane! Lufthansa once flew this Junkers Ju 52 German tri-motor plane, named Rudolf von Thuna. It’s now on display as a vintage model in Munich Airport’ Visitors Park.
The results don’t break out Australasia as a separate region. It’s included with Oceania. While Virgin Australia makes an appearance in the youthful category, Qantas isn’t mentioned at all. That may be because the average age of the Qantas fleet is somewhere in the middle and neither old enough, nor young enough, to be included in either extreme. The wholly-owned Qantas subsidary Jetconnect, which operates trans-Tasman services from Auckland, gets a mention.
“What our data clearly shows is the tremendous growth in Europe and Asia over the past few years while they move to lower-cost models,” said Thomas Jaeger, chief executive of ch-aviation. “And Chinese start-ups have the benefit of good access to capital for new aircraft.”
The bottom five was quite a different story, with Africa and North America doing battle for the oldest fleets. In bottom position is Kenya’s Fly SAX with an average aircraft age of 36 years old, followed by Nolinor Aviation (Canada), African Express Airways (Kenya), Western Air Bahamas, and Pacific Coastal Airlines (Canada).
“Obviously we see something quite different in Canada and Kenya, which both have a lot of smaller carriers operating in remote areas,” Jaeger says. “And many African airlines which want to expand simply don’t have the cash for brand new aircraft.” Taking out top spots for youngest fleet on each continent were:
Ch-aviation claims to maintain “the world’s largest and most comprehensive B2B databases in civil aviation, providing up-to-the-minute information on fleets, aircrafts, ownership, contacts, routes, and worldwide flight schedule data (in cooperation with OAG)”.
Continue to read the full list here on eGlobalTRavelMedia || August 11, 2017 |||
Five international airlines are expanding air access to Thailand with new flights from Beijing, Doha, Istanbul, Maldives, India’s Jaipur and Tiruchirappalli, and Singapore, strengthening the Kingdom’s status as a global aviation hub.
The new flights offer visitors greater convenience and more choice for point of entry when travelling to and from Thailand. The country’s aviation authorities continue to expand both flight frequency and international gateway destinations to handle growing traveller demand and the never-ending quest for new itineraries.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “Thailand has long been the key portal to Asia and global aviation hub. Steady passenger growth depends on more flights and finding new entry points to the country. These new flights provide visitors with more choice, flexibility and convenience when travelling or making connections to major cities around Thailand. We hope that the expanded air access boosts tourism arrivals.”
Scheduled flights to be added or recently started service during 2017 include:
Starting 27 March, this year, Thai Airways International has launched its ‘Phuket Express‘ service with four direct weekly Beijing to Phuket flights.
Since 1 June, this year, Qatar Airways has operated flights from Doha to Bangkok five days a week. The increased frequency, along with its double-daily Phuket flights and the five-month-old Krabi operations (four weekly flights), increase Qatar Airways departures from Thailand to Doha to 53 flights per week.
Turkish Airlines has launched the Istanbul to Phuket direct service on 17 July, 2017, starting with four weekly flights that will increase to daily during this coming winter. The airline started the Istanbul-Bangkok return service in 1989 and currently operates 14 flights per week.
Low-cost carrier Thai AirAsia will add daily Maldives flights from Bangkok to Male starting on 11 August, using Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline is also expanding its services to India with the Bangkok-Jaipur and Bangkok- Tiruchirappalli routes, each with four flights a week, starting on 29 September. The airline operates from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport.
Another low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia will add four weekly flights from Singapore to Hat Yai return from 3 November, 2017, using 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. Bookings are currently available for purchase in Singapore.
Mr. Yuthasak added, “TAT has also signed a series of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with major international airlines aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation and boosting the number of visitor arrivals to Thailand.”
TAT recently inked MOUs with EVA Air to work on joint tourism promotion strategies for the US and Canada markets; with Etihad Airways to jointly promote travel to Thailand from the UAE, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Egypt, and Kuwait; with Qatar Airways for travellers from Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Singapore Airlines’ important inbound markets including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Read more at http://www.etbtravelnews.global
| An ETB/Tahi Airways release || August 10, 2017 |||
It could be the largest sketch in history – Boeing has used one of its B787-8 Dreamliners to draw a huge image of the plane over the entire continental United States, etched by its own flight path.
The extraordinary journey, designed as a creative way for the plane to make an endurance test flight, happened last week. The shape was so huge that the only way of discerning it was by looking on air traffic sites like FlightAware and FlightRadar24.
Boeing said the B787-8 Dreamliner crossed 22 states to form the giant outline. It took off from Boeing Field International Airport in Seattle and landed back there more than 18 hours later. The “wingspan” of the giant image extends from the Great Lakes almost to the Mexican border.
“Rather than fly in random patterns, the test team got creative,” Boeing explained.
The stunt drew a bit of criticism, with Quartz.com pointing out that the trip produced more than 300,000 kg of carbon dioxide. Endurance tests are necessary, however, and flying in the shape of a plane is no worse than flying in straight lines – and more fun for the pilot. It wasn’t a joy ride.
Earlier this year, a Boeing 737 MAX traced “MAX” in the sky to prove it could fly nine hours straight.
| A n eGlobal Ttravel item written by Peter Needham || August 7, 2017 |||
Air New Zealand will fly almost 60,000 additional seats between Auckland and Honolulu from April to October next year, an increase of 75 percent compared with this year.
The airline will operate an additional 94 return services during the period, moving to daily flights and up to nine services per week during the busy July school holiday period.
Services will be operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the majority of the year, with a change to the Boeing 777-200 during the July and September holiday periods.
Air New Zealand’s Chief Revenue Officer Cam Wallace says the airline is excited to offer such a significant capacity boost on the very popular route.
“Hawaii is clearly a favourite destination for Kiwis, particularly for those wanting to escape the New Zealand winter. Air New Zealand has increased its services to Honolulu to offer customers even more flexibility as well as a greater number of premium seats during the peak periods by deploying our Boeing 777-200.”
Air New Zealand offers its popular Economy Skycouch™ product as well as Premium Economy and Business Premier on its services to Hawaii.
| An Air New Zealand release || August 4, 2017 |||
The Australian government will roll out a “contactless traveller” clearance process for travellers arriving at the country’s international airports, after Vision-Box signed a contract to deliver the service.
The three year contract will deliver upgraded biometric technology, enabling the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to use biometric data to clear passengers arriving at Australia’s international airports.
It will also deliver a new capability that will eventually enable known travellers to self-process through the border without producing their passport, relying wholly on facial recognition technology.
Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton, said the project is another step towards “contactless traveller” processing.
“Australia is committed to being a world leader in the use of biometrics at our border to facilitate legitimate travel, protect our community and prevent the activities of potential terrorists and criminals,” Dutton said.
“The government’s investment in advanced state-of-the-art biometric systems continues to enhance existing border automation measures and further improves the efficiency and speed of border processing for legitimate travellers, who represent the vast majority of people crossing Australia’s border.”
This investment is part of the government’s broader $123.6 million investment in improving the experience for passengers at the border.
| AN FTE release || August 4, 2017 |||
Price:From $2,375
Stay:4 nights
Travel Dates:Thursday 5th of October 2017 until Monday 9th of October 2017
Description:SUPERCHEAP AUTO BATHURST 1000 - 4 Nights from $2375* per person (with Sporting Tours).
Every year the Bathurst 1000 produces incredible showdowns as drivers try to conquer ‘The Mountain’. The 4-day 1,000-kilometre touring car race is a round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series and is considered the pinnacle of Australian motorsport. Experience the exhilarating atmosphere on and off the track with fantastic entertainment, a full schedule of V8 Supercars and excellent facilities. We’re delighted to have motor racing expert Willie Kay hosting our group again. Willie is an exceptional tour escort with immense knowledge and industry contacts, which helps gives this trip its legendary reputation. Past tours have had the chance to get up close to the drivers, go behind the scenes and really be part of the Bathurst experience. Let us know when you want to fly and we’ll provide the best airfare options and prices. Extend your stay and explore more of Australia, we’ve got some great ideas to get the most out of your trip! Want to know more? Give us a call, we’re always happy to help.
Inclusions:
WILLIE KAY
A former speedway and circuit driver, a car owner and Indy Car crew man, was a Director of Speedway NZ for eleven years, and promoter of Western Springs and Baypark tracks for nineteen years. Willie has escorted motorsport tours including Indianapolis 500, Formula One Grand Prix, vintage car events, V8 super cars, major speedway races and aviation events for thirty five years. Motorsport in its many facets has been his life and work, and Willie takes no greater pleasure than in sharing his experience, knowledge and contacts for the benefit of tour members.
Book your place now to save disappointment.
Conditions: * It is our policy to present the cost of our flights & holidays inclusive of all airport and government charges. Please accept however that these charges are not within our control, therefore we reserve the right to pass on any increase. Travel agent professional service fees where charged, will be additional to the advertised prices.
Bookings
Follow this link to book your tour spot
Air New Zealand is growing its Vancouver-Auckland operation by nearly 20 percent from January – July 2018, providing customers with greater choice and flexibility.
The airline will kick the increases off by moving from seven to eight weekly services during the first half of January peak period, making it easier than ever for Kiwis to escape to the snow.
Frequency of services will also grow over the shoulder season with the airline moving from five weekly services to daily flights during February, and increasing to five services a week in March and April (up from four) and four weekly services during May – mid-June (up from three).
Air New Zealand Chief Revenue Officer Cam Wallace says the airline is delighted to be able to offer its customers more scheduled flights to and from Vancouver.
“We recognise how popular Canada is as a winter destination for Kiwis. We also see the value in increasing services to New Zealand for Canadian tourists, allowing them to escape the winter and enjoy a chance to experience our beautiful summer and the tranquility of New Zealand through the shoulder season.”
| An Air New Zealand release || August 3, 2017 |||
As Australian domestic airlines wait to see whether lengthy passenger waits caused by enhanced airport security screening will affect business, a major union has warned that high staff turnover at airports is creating an additional security risk.
A nationwide air travel security alert began at the weekend after counter-terrorism squads launched armed raids on four Sydney properties over an alleged “Islamic-inspired” plot to bring down an aircraft – reportedly by using poison gas.
As a result, passengers now need to arrive at Australian airports two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to allow ample time for screening.
This means that a traveller making a short day-trip for a business meeting – Melbourne to Canberra or Sydney to Brisbane, say – faces spending at least four hours at domestic airports, when their flight may last under 90 minutes or even less than an hour.
There can be no compromise on safety, but some travellers may decide to defer their meetings, use phone links instead – or even drive or use surface transport. Time will tell.
Meanwhile, the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has cautioned that the high turnover rate of staff at airports, linked to low pay and poor working conditions, is in itself creating a major security risk.
The turnover problem means large numbers of staff do not have full security clearance to operate at airports and do not have the experience or training to spot potential terror threats, the TWU warns.
“On any given day there are many hundreds of people working at our airports with no ASIO or Federal Police security checks,” TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon said.
Airport sleeping quarters for staff. Photo obtained by ABC earlier this year
“ This includes people doing regular work airside from maintenance to ground crew and, most concerning, security personnel. These staff are often on below-award rates, split shifts, forced part-time and are subject to horrific workplace injuries.
“Because of the appalling conditions many airport employees do not stay in jobs long and this high turnover rate is creating a security risk that our Federal Government and airport owners are wilfully turning a blind eye to.”
The TWU says low pay and forced part-time hours are a common feature of the aviation industry.
Media investigations earlier this year exposed instances of staff forced to sleep at Sydney Airport because they couldn’t afford to go home between shifts. See: Staff sleeping in swags by Aussie airport carousels
The TWU said airports and airlines are refusing to take responsibility for the conditions of Aerocare staff who work in their supply chains.
The TWU has also sounded the alarm over what it says is a complete lack of security screening at most regional airports served by QantasLink.
“Screening does not exist at airports at Armidale, Lord Howe Island and Moree in New South Wales, Port Lincoln and Whyalla in South Australia and Charleville, Blackall, Miles and Longreach in Queensland.
“Airport workers and our cabin crew are contacting us because they are concerned about their own safety and the safety of the travelling public given no checks are being done at these airports. Again while the Federal Government and airport owners like to appear to be concerned about security in reality there are gaping holes in operation,” Sheldon said.
The aviation industry is highly profitable. The TWU notes that profits at the four main airports in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane increased to AUD 1.8 billion last year and Qantas is now highly profitable.
“Our airports are clearly making billions of dollars in profit but are not putting funding into security,” Sheldon said.
| An eGlobalTRavelmedia release written by Peter Needham || August 2, 2017 |||
Palace of the Alhambra, Spain
By: Charles Nathaniel Worsley (1862-1923)
From the collection of Sir Heaton Rhodes
Oil on canvas - 118cm x 162cm
Valued $12,000 - $18,000
Offers invited over $9,000
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
Mount Egmont with Lake
By: John Philemon Backhouse (1845-1908)
Oil on Sea Shell - 13cm x 14cm
Valued $2,000-$3,000
Offers invited over $1,500
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
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