Australia Travel News - 21 May 2013

Virgin lifts on-time record Posted: 21 May 2013 11:08 PM PDT "According to the official data released in 2013, 84 per cent of Qantas Domestic flights have departed on-time, while Virgin Australia has managed only 74 per cent," Mr Strambi said. "This means one in every four Virgin flights has been late this year ... See all stories on this topic »

How to save $610 on fuel surcharges - Sydney Morning Herald Posted: 21 May 2013 11:08 PM PDT Travellers wanting to fly economy from Australia to London return have been able to escape paying $610 in fuel surcharges by redeeming their frequent-flyer points on an Emirates flight rather than Qantas. They can also pay $290 less for a return ... See all stories on this topic »

The 'budget airline of hotels' set to open in Australia Posted: 21 May 2013 11:08 PM PDT Search brisbanetimes: Search in: Travel. brisbanetimes.com.au; Web; Travel. The 'budget airline of hotels' set to open in Australia. Date: May 22, 2013 - 11:52AM. (0); Read later. Robert Upe. Travel and Tourism Writer. View more articles from Robert ... See all stories on this topic » Brisbane Times

Etihad Airways raises stake in Virgin Australia Holdings to 10pc Posted: 21 May 2013 11:08 PM PDT ABU Dhabi-based Etihad has confirmed it had increased its shareholding in Virgin Australia Holdings to 10 per cent. The airline is understood to have moved last week to take advantage of a sharp fall in Virgin's share price after it revealed its ... See all stories on this topic »

Sir Richard Branson tells graduates: travel is the greatest university there is Posted: 21 May 2013 06:33 PM PDT Subscribe to Blog. Remember my Info. This week (May 21), Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia Airlines, sent out a letter on Linked In to recent college graduates with one important lesson. Travel is as important as a diploma. See all stories on this topic »

Etihad Airways raises stake in Virgin Australia Holdings to 10pc Posted: 21 May 2013 06:33 PM PDT The airline is understood to have moved last week to take advantage of a sharp fall in Virgin's share price after it revealed its underlying pre-tax profit would be below last year's $82.5 million because of a slowing economy. Virgin shares, which fell ... See all stories on this topic »

Lion Air to launch Thai subsidiary Posted: 21 May 2013 01:53 PM PDT Chief executive Rusdi Kirana in March told reporters the airline was still exploring earlier plans to set up subsidiaries in Australia and Thailand. The airline reportedly reached a recent accord to acquire 49% of an unnamed Australian company and base ... See all stories on this topic »

Korean Air appoints new UK and Ireland regional manager Posted: 21 May 2013 01:53 PM PDT Kim was previously the airline's general manager for Australia, and based in Melbourne. Jason Kim said: "Korean Air is one of the world's top airlines, with a proud history of innovation and outstanding customer service and so I am delighted to be ... See all stories on this topic » Routes News

Emirates set to launch A380 on Brisbane route Posted: 21 May 2013 01:53 PM PDT Emirates Airline has announced that Brisbane will become its third Australian destination to welcome the airline's flagship Airbus A380 later this year. The Dubai-based carrier said in a statement that it will operate the superjumbo on the Dubai to ... See all stories on this topic » ArabianBusiness.com

Qantas and Virgin Australia awarded more seat and cargo capacity Posted: 21 May 2013 01:53 PM PDT Australia's International Air Services Commission (IASC) awarded new seat and freight capacity allowances to a number of airlines today. Qantas. The commission has decided to extend Qantas' licence to operate a single cargo service per week on routes ... See all stories on this topic » Routes News

Virgin Australia Takes Delivery of New Boeing 737-800 from ILFC Posted: 21 May 2013 09:09 AM PDT "ILFC is honored to continue providing aircraft to Virgin Australia. We share a long-standing business partnership that dates back to the launch of the airline. We are delighted to have delivered this new B737-800 that will support the initiatives of ... See all stories on this topic »

Virgin Australia appoints CCO Posted: 21 May 2013 09:09 AM PDT Prior to joining Virgin Australia in 2012 as group executive of Sales, Ms Crompton held the position of Head of Global Corporate Sales at Etihad Airways. She was responsible for the overall strategic direction and implementation of commercial sales for ... See all stories on this topic »

Aviation Tiger Australia cuts its losses - Canberra Times Posted: 21 May 2013 04:25 AM PDT Two months before Virgin Australia is set to take control, the budget airline has posted an operating loss of $S15 million ($12 million) for the three months to ... www.canberratimes.com.au/.../tiger-australia-cuts-its-losses-20...

Qantas and Virgin Australia awarded more seat and cargo capacity Posted: 21 May 2013 04:18 AM PDT Qantas and Virgin Australia awarded more seat and cargo capacity. Australia's International Air Services Commission (IASC) awarded new seat and freight capacity allowances to a number of airlines today. See all stories on this topic » Routes News