Qantas had the worst performance in responding to complaints, taking an average of 97 days during 2023. Jetstar took 18 days, REX 19 and Virgin 16 days on average. The participating airlines publish a commitment to a 20 day timeframe for handling complaints. The Airline Customer Advocate, an industry-based complaints-handling...

As has been rumoured recently, Qantas today (10 July) introduces a new monthly Qantas Club membership plan for infrequent flyers who want some of the benefits of lounge access. Qantas seems to be on a mission to squeeze every dollar it can out of its customers. This includes charging for...

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to a felony charge of criminal conspiracy to defraud the US. The agreement has been reached after the Justice Department found that Boeing had not kept faith with an earlier settlement following the two fate crashes of its 737 MAX aircraft. If...

Melbourne Airport has finally agreed with the Victorian Government that the above ground Airport Station will be the less expensive option. The resolution of this agreement means that the Airport may finally have a public transport link directly between the Airport and Melbourne. The opening of the train line is...

One of my regular activities is reading the often filled with outrage letters to the Sydney Morning Herald’s Traveller Column. This week, there is a disgruntled passenger denied boarding on flight bound for Bali. Sure some letters are full of praise for travel organisations, destinations, hotels and airlines. But where’s...

Looks like the ability to fly from Melbourne to Perth on an international Dreamliner ceases on 12 July 2024. Flight QF9 originates in Melbourne and stops in Perth on its way to London. But no more. Qantas wants to make better use of its limited number of Bowing 787 Dreamliners....

It looks like Bonza Airlines has reached the end of the runway. With no buyer and all the staff sacked, a meeting of creditors on 2 July 2024 voted to liquidate the airline. Hall Chadwick, the company administrator, released a scathing report last week that suggested the airline may have...

In an exclusive interview with Tony Douglas, CEO of the new Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air, David Flynn of ET gave us some insights into the cabins and services inside the aircraft, which will debut in 2025. They are admittedly fuzzy ahead of a later announcement, but they do give...

Emirates has announced the initial destinations for its 81 refitted Boeing 777s. The retrofitted planes will eliminate the centre seat in business class, bringing the fleet up to speed with current expectations in Business Class and adding Premium Economy to the aircraft. Seat configuration Each aircraft will take about two...

In a surprise result, Virgin Australia pilots rejected the terms of a new Enterprise Agreement. The new agreement would have determined future pilots’ pay and conditions. Pilots voted 61% against the proposed agreement which had in principle agreement by the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP). The agreement had been...

Qantas Group, which incorporates both Qantas and Jetstar, has reached a long-term agreement with Hobart Airport, paving the way for Qantas to open a new lounge. The new lounge is scheduled to open in 2027. So don’t hold your breath! The new Club will nearly double the current capacity. As...

Following its announcement as Best Airline in Australia and the Pacific at the SkyTrax awards, Fiji Airways is now adopting the American Airlines AAdcantage Travel Rewards Program. “With this partnership, Fiji Airways is set to gain access to a vast network of American travelers, potentially increasing visitor arrivals to the...

Yesterday (27 June) in Paris, Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian airline that will not enter commercial flying until 2025, launched its uniforms during Haute Couture Week as part of Paris Fashion Week. The uniforms have been designed by Ashi Studio after Saudi Arabian designer Mohammed Ashi joined the airline...

The usually reliable AFR is reporting that Qatar Airways will acquire a 20% stake in Virgin Australia. The purchase might happen as soon as next week. Qatar Airways is one of the largest airlines in the world. It’s the recent winner of the Skytrax Best Airline Award . The airline...

Qantas Group have announced the start of seat sales for their new nine return flights each week from Australia to Vanuatu. The service commencing on Tuesday, 10 September will run across their full-service brand Qantas, and their low-cost brand, Jetstar. This will be a new route for Jetstar. “Ahead of...

As of 12 July, Qantas will offer direct flights to Paris from Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Qantas is introducing French-inspired menus, limited-edition pyjamas and amenity kits to mark the new route. Qantas did the same for the Rio Olympics and the inauguration of other routes. It’s mainly a...