Category: Australia News (Page 2 of 13)

QANTAS receives latest freighter conversion to meet increased demand

January 1, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Melbourne, Australia, December 31, 2023 – Qantas Airways Ltd (Sydney: QAN) has received its newest Airbus A330 freighter touching down today. The aircraft departed the fleet following its last commercial passenger flight back in February of this year.

This was the second Qantas aircraft to be converted this year following a freighter delivery this past October into the fleet. The conversions were performed by EFW in Dresden, Germany, a joint venture between Airbus and ST Engineering.

Qantas is also planning to convert another nine aircraft to freighters, bringing the carriers total freighter fleet to 12.

NYK conducts trial use for full scale introduction of biofuels

December 29, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Starting in fiscal 2024, NYK line [Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo: 9101)] will conduct full-scale trials of long-term use of biofuels*, which are considered to have net-zero CO₂ emissions, in navigating its existing heavy oil-fired vessels. Moving forward from the previous short-term trials, NYK will comprehensively verify the safety and stable procurement of biofuels when used over a long period. Through this trial, NYK will establish a safe navigation system using biofuels and promote biofuel development to achieve the Group’s goal of a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by fiscal 2030 compared to fiscal 2021.

In this trial, NYK will use biofuel continuously for three months on multiple vessel types. After that, NYK will gradually extend biofuel use for a longer period for further validation.

Since fiscal 2019, the NYK Group has conducted short-term biofuel trials on about 10 vessels. While NYK has confirmed the safety of short-term biofuel use, NYK has not verified the impact of biofuels on the ship’s main engine, generator, motor, fuel supply system, etc., and the quality of biofuels after a certain storage period. NYK also needed to ensure the stability of biofuel procurement when used in more vessels.

NYK announced the NYK Group ESG Story 2023 on November 6, declaring a new target to reduce the NYK Group’s GHG emissions by 45%** from the fiscal 2021 level by fiscal 2030. NYK will promote this trial to achieve the goal.

* Biofuels are produced from biological sources (biomass), such as waste cooking oil, and are considered to have net-zero CO₂ emissions during combustion. Biofuels, also usable in heavy oil–fired engines, are one of the critical solutions to reducing GHG emissions during the transition from heavy oil to zero-emission fuels.

** Reduction ratio on absolute corporate emissions for scope 1 and 2.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Bonza connects more than 650,000 Aussies to new destinations in 2023

December 29, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

It’s been a bumper purple year for Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier Bonza, with the airline revealing it has delivered more than 650,000 customers to 21 destinations across Australia. in 2023, a year when cost of living prices soared, Bonza was ensuring travellers could make considerable savings on their air travel plans.

Bonza’s unique onboard experience and ability to order on-demand menu items from the Fly Bonza app and have them delivered directly to your seats has been a rip roaring success introducing customers to undiscovered homegrown food and drinks suppliers.

To start 2024 in true Bonza style, the low-cost carrier is holding a 20 percent off sale*, which ends on 2nd January, 2024. Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.

Visit www.flybonza.com to book your next adventure!

Major Wellington rail projects to take a leap forward this Christmas

December 17, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

December 18, 2023 – KiwiRail will make significant progress on several major rail projects around the Wellington region this Christmas, taking advantage of the annual network shutdown to work without interruption.

The Wellington region’s rail network will be closed to commuter trains from 26 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, with the Wairarapa Line staying closed until 14 January. Nearly 1,000 people will work on rail maintenance and projects across the network, with several sites operating 24/7 to maximise productivity.

KiwiRail Chief Capital Planning and Asset Development Officer David Gordon says that while important maintenance will be carried out during the shutdown, most of the planned activity relates to the Wellington Metro Upgrade Programme – a $700 million programme of works to upgrade existing rail infrastructure and build capacity to support Greater Wellington Regional Council’s plans for rail.

The complex re-signalling work at Wellington Railway Station will continue, alongside much-needed work on various tracks, foundations and platforms. This project is a major step towards modernising Wellington’s rail network and will improve safety in what is New Zealand’s most complex railway junction.

Round-the-clock work on the Kapiti Line will see the completion of the last major portion of the Plimmerton Station upgrade project. The upgrade, which includes adding a third track and platform at the station, will allow commuter trains that currently run from Wellington to Porirua to be extended to Plimmerton, helping with capacity at peak times. Bridge 23 (just north of Paekākāriki) will also be replaced.

KiwiRail will conduct maintenance on the Hutt Valley Line, largely between Ava Station and Taitā Station.

On the Wairarapa Line, renewal work will begin inside the Maoribank and Remutaka Tunnels to update the original track from 1955, and the old wooden bridge (Bridge 56) near Matarawa will be replaced. Capacity-building upgrades will start with work on a new passing loop at Woodside Station and the Fitzherbert St level crossing in Featherston.

Virgin Australia is pleased to have reached in-principle cabin crew agreement

December 17, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Virgin Australia is pleased to have reached an in-principle agreement with the FAAA and TWU on the Cabin Crew Enterprise Agreement. This is great news for our teams and our customers.

Under the new Enterprise Agreement, cost of living pressures will be easier for crew to manage, and lifestyle challenges will be easier to navigate. The agreement will deliver 15%+ salary increases over three years, depending on the skill and tenure of the crew member.

And the overall cost of this agreement is in line with the agreements we have reached with other work groups. Today’s outcome is the result of constructive negotiations with both unions, and facilitated by the Fair Work Commission. It will ensure our people are appropriately rewarded for their work and that Virgin Australia is set up for long-term success.

Air New Zealand announces BETA’s ALIA launch aircraft for Next Gen Aircraft program

December 7, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Air New Zealand (NZX: AIR) has today announced the ALIA as the airline’s first purchase of a next generation aircraft in its Mission Next Gen Aircraft program.

Designed by electric aerospace company BETA Technologies, the battery-powered all-electric aircraft is expected to join Air New Zealand’s fleet in 2026. Air New Zealand is purchasing the conventional take-off and landing version of the ALIA.

The announcement follows an 18-month period of evaluation and diligence by Air New Zealand. Through the airline’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft program, it sought and received ideas and insights from 30 organisations, selecting four partners to work closely with on its goal of launching commercial flights using next generation aircraft in 2026. BETA’s ALIA is the first commercial order in the program.

Air New Zealand will initially operate the aircraft as a cargo only service in partnership with New Zealand Post, on a route being selected through an expressions of interest (EOI) process with airports across Aotearoa.

Fiji Airways wins APEX award for best entertainment & best seat comfort in South Pacific

November 12, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

November 10, 2023 – Fiji Airways is closing off the airline award season on a high with two prestigious accolades in the APEX Passenger Choice Awards for 2024.

The National Airline has been honoured with the coveted awards;

Best Entertainment in the South Pacific
Best Seat Comfort in the South Pacific

This is the first time that Fiji Airways’ inflight entertainment offerings have been recognised, while the airline has won Best Seat Comfort for the second year in a row.

The company has recently added award-winning blockbuster titles from Disney and HBO to its inflight entertainment content providing more than 840 hours of content, offering guests the most comprehensive and immersive experience in the South Pacific region.

In addition, Fiji Airways has also introduced wellness content such as meditation and breath work to help guests arrive at their destination relaxed and rejuvenated.

Moreover, the airline also offers complimentary full flight Wi-Fi browsing in Business Class, 15 minutes complimentary text Wi-Fi in Economy Class, and more attractive Wi-Fi purchase plans on their A350 and 737 MAX fleet. Which means that passengers flying between the United States and Australia/New Zealand via Nadi, will have the most comprehensive Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity experience offered by any airline flying the region.

The company attributes its recognition for Best Seat Comfort in the South Pacific for two years running to the fact that it has one of the youngest and most modern fleet in the world.

The four flagship Airbus A350’s, which service medium and long haul flights, feature Collins Aerospace Super Diamond full lie-flat seats, offering extra comfort with generous bedding and amenities for Business Class guests. A turn down service which includes a mattress, duvet, blanket and pillow is a favourite for guests on long haul flights.

The airline remains focused on inspiring and motivating travellers by offering unparalleled service, ensuring passenger satisfaction, and creating unforgettable moments.

Rex Airlines wins APEX Award for best cabin service in the South Pacific

November 12, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Rex Airlines has been recognised as having the South Pacific’s Best Cabin Service in the 2024 Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) Awards. The award was presented in Singapore last night where Rex’s Executive Chairman, Lim Kim Hai, accepted it on behalf of the airline.

The award ceremony was part of the FTE APEX Asia Expo, the air transport industry’s largest passenger experience and business performance event. APEX said nearly one million flights were anonymously rated by passengers across more than 600 airlines from around the world using a five-star scale.

Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline operating a fleet of 58 Saab 340 and 9 Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to 56 destinations throughout all states in Australia. In addition to the airline Rex, the Rex Group comprises wholly owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation (air freight, aeromedical and charter operator), the Australian Airline Pilot Academy with campuses in Wagga Wagga and Ballarat, and propeller maintenance organisation, Australian Aerospace Propeller Maintenance. Rex is also a 50% shareholder of National Jet Express (NJE), a premier Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO), charter and freight operator.

Maersk doubles down on growth in Australia with Omnichannel Fulfilment

November 11, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

A.P. Moller-Maersk AS (OTC: AMKBY) is strengthening its omnichannel-fulfilment capabilities in Australia, with the opening of seven new facilities across the country. As the integrated container and logistics company celebrates its 30th anniversary in Australia, plans are in place to grow its already extensive operations and land-side capabilities.

The seven new facilities are being delivered over the 12 months to Q1 2024 as part of Maersk’s global integrator strategy with clear opportunities identified to expand the regional logistics landscape. This will bring the company’s total number of sites in Australia to eight in total, serviced by 550 full-time employees. Four sites opened earlier this year and three more are coming online between now and Q1 2024. Two of these facilities were integrated into the Maersk network as part of its acquisition of LF Logistics.

Maersk boasts five gateway ports and owned warehouse services in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with additional co-owned warehouse services in Perth and Adelaide. Maersk’s addition of seven facilities in Australia brings its footprint from 15,900 sqm in Q1 2023 to 142,500 sqm by end of Q1 2024, adding a total of 126,600 sqm in 12 months.

Six of the seven new sites will be omnichannel facilities, harnessing a variety of channels to interact with customers to fulfil orders. Omnichannel capabilities provide Maersk with better levels of availability and service, reduced working capital and better efficiency. It allows for an improved focus on sustainability by utilising renewable energy sources such as solar panels, smart power management systems and low energy consumption equipment.

The recent opening of Maersk’s Derrimut facility in Melbourne harnesses progressive AI technology to automate current warehousing processes. The facility caters to booming e-commerce fulfilment needs, as well as offering logistics solutions for different industries, including Footwear and Apparel, Beauty and Wellness, Healthcare, and Luxury Fashion products across Australia.

As part of Maersk’s expansion in Australia, exclusive new offerings to customers include the Flex Hub service, which enables customers to reduce warehousing costs and reduce time to market by placing products closer to their end customer markets.

The Captain Peter for reefer containers service allows customers to see the temperature inside reefer containers carrying their produce, allowing them to change it as needed, giving customers more control of how their frozen or refrigerated goods are managed while in transit with Maersk.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Air Niugini orders 6 Airbus A220 aircraft

November 3, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, November 3, 2023 – Air Niugini, the national flag carrier of Papua New Guinea, has signed a firm order with Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) for six latest generation single aisle A220-100’s under its fleet modernisation program. In addition, the carrier will acquire three A220-300s and another two A220-100’s from third party lessors.

The order was announced at a special event in Port Moresby by Gary Seddon, Acting Chief Executive Officer Air Niugini and Anand Stanley, President Airbus Asia-Pacific, in the presence of the Honorable James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Honorable William Duma, Minister for State Enterprises.

Air Niugini also announced that it has selected a flight planning support system from Airbus subsidiary NAVBLUE for its fleet. Called N-Flight Planning (N-FP), the solution will help the airline optimise on fuel, time and cost to meet operational needs, while ensuring overall safety and compliance.

Forward-Looking Statements

Archives