Airlines

Qantas Takes off again between Brisbane and Tokyo

The flight offers the first direct connection between Brisbane and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport

Qantas Retains Top Spot as Most Punctual Major Domestic Airline

Queensland is gearing up for an influx of new visitors from Japan just in time for the summer holidays with the return of Qantas flights between Brisbane and Tokyo.

AirAsia X takes flight to Tokyo-Haneda(Opens in a new browser tab)

The flight offers the first direct connection between Brisbane and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport by any airline, replacing Qantas’ previous route to Narita Airport, and will save passengers more than an hour travelling into Tokyo city on arrival. Inbound flights on the route are timed to connect well with the rest of Qantas’ Australian domestic network, including popular destinations across Queensland, reopening tourism opportunities for the Sunshine State.

The resumption of Brisbane-Tokyo flights also provides Australian producers in the region with more cargo space on Qantas’ freight network for the export of fresh produce such as chilled meat, seafood, dairy, fruit and vegetables. Qantas’ direct flight from Tokyo Haneda to Brisbane is supported by Queensland’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund in partnership with the State’s four international airports.

Virgin Australia unveils business class suites for A330 fleet.. !!(Opens in a new browser tab)

Qantas will fly its Airbus A330 aircraft, with Business Suites and lie-flat beds, from Brisbane to Tokyo three days per week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, offering more than 1,700 seats on the route each week. The Qantas Group operates more than 20 return flights per week from Australia to Japan. This includes Qantas’ flights from Brisbane to Tokyo Haneda and Sydney to Tokyo Haneda.

Qantas flights between Melbourne and Tokyo Haneda will resume in March 2023. The Group’s low-fares airline, Jetstar, operates flights from Cairns to Tokyo Narita and Osaka, and Gold Coast to Tokyo Narita. Customers traveling to other destinations across Japan can connect through Haneda to domestic services operated by Qantas’ partner JAL.

Airlines

Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery

In an innovative move towards sustainability, renowned Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has recently floated an unconventional idea to its business class customers.

Bringing their own cutlery sets onboard. This initiative, revealed through a member survey circulated within the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community – a platform comprising frequent business class travelers – has stirred a wave of curiosity within the aviation industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasing concern in aviation, Cathay Pacific’s survey aimed to gauge passengers‘ willingness to partake in various eco-friendly practices during their journeys.

Among the initiatives presented, including refilling reusable water bottles and recycling plastic, the prospect of bringing personal cutlery garnered significant attention. Some members expressed practical concerns, questioning the feasibility of carrying cutlery through airport security and the potential inconvenience for passengers unaware of regulations.

Others suggested that Cathay Pacific should simply provide reusable cutlery onboard instead. Furthermore, there were suspicions among some respondents that the BYO cutlery proposal might be a precursor to introducing additional charges, with one user humorously envisioning a scenario where the airline lends cutlery sets for a fee.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the proposal, Cathay Pacific’s exploration of innovative sustainability measures reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental consciousness.

Airlines

Air India and IndiGo’s Joint Initiative, Plans for 170 Wide-Body Aircraft

In a bold move that underscores their confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation sector, Air India and IndiGo have revealed ambitious plans to acquire a combined total of up to 170 wide-body aircraft.

This strategic investment marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape, as it brings European aircraft manufacturer Airbus into a domain traditionally dominated by American giant Boeing.

With India positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for such expansion endeavors. The aim is clear: to elevate India’s status as a global aviation hub by enhancing connectivity through direct flights between Indian cities and international destinations.

Currently, a substantial portion of India’s international air traffic relies on overseas hubs, particularly in the Gulf region. IndiGo’s announcement of firm orders for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70, signals its commitment to capturing a larger share of the long-haul market.

Meanwhile, Air India’s comprehensive order, unveiled last year, encompasses 70 wide-body planes, including a mix of A350 and Boeing 787 models.

Recognizing the potential for disruption in the long and ultra-long haul segments, aviation consultancy CAPA India has emphasized the pivotal role Indian carriers can play in driving innovation and transformation.

With the current combined fleet size of Indian airlines exceeding 700 aircraft, the stage is set for Air India and IndiGo to spearhead a new era of growth and connectivity in the Indian aviation sector.

Airlines

Air China Makes Landmark Deal: Orders 100 C919 Jets from COMAC

In a strategic move that could reshape China’s aviation industry, Air China has inked a monumental deal with Comac, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s commercial aircraft procurement landscape.

The agreement, valued at a staggering $10.8 billion based on list prices, entails the purchase of 100 Comac C919 jets, a resounding endorsement of the homegrown challenger to aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing.

The announcement, disclosed in a filing by Air China, underscores the airline’s commitment to bolstering its fleet with domestically manufactured aircraft. These C919 jets, slated for delivery between 2024 and 2031, are poised to amplify Air China’s operational capabilities and enhance its competitive stance in the global aviation arena.

The C919, a formidable competitor to Boeing’s 737 Max and Airbus’s A320neo, symbolizes China’s ambitious foray into the global aviation market. With Air China’s commitment to acquiring a substantial fleet of C919s, the aircraft is poised to carve out a formidable niche in the industry, challenging the dominance of established players.

Notably, Air China‘s existing fleet comprises an extensive array of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, showcasing its diverse operational portfolio.

With nearly 500 airplanes in service, including models from the A320 family and the 737 series, Air China’s decision to incorporate the C919 into its fleet underscores a strategic diversification strategy.

While Airbus has enjoyed notable success in China, buoyed by its local assembly line, Boeing has faced formidable challenges in recent years. However, Air China’s resolute investment in the C919 signals a paradigm shift, amplifying China’s quest for self-sufficiency in aviation.