The Zeppelin Times 4CRB Travel Show
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Cruz announces AUD$7.7bn investment Cruz announces AUD$7.7bn (£4.5bn) investment Brish Airways’ chief execuve Alex Cruz pledged today that the airline’s new AUD$7.7bn (£4.5bn) investment programme would improve the flying experience for all customers. Reaffirming Brish Airways as a premium airline commied to customer choice, he outlined the unprecedented compeve pressure the company faced and voiced his determinaon to create a stronger naonal carrier to benefit customers and remain at the forefront of world aviaon. Speaking at the World Travel Market in London, Mr Cruz said his strategy at Brish Airways was designed to enable increased investment for customers and wider availability of affordable fares. He announced that the AUD$7.7bn (£4.5bn) investment over the next five years would include: 72 new aircraſt, including four new types for the airline : the Airbus A350, the Boeing 787-10 and the neo (new engine opon) variant of the Airbus A320 and 321; New interiors for 128 aircraſt in the exisng fleet; At-seat power for customers in all cabins; Upgraded catering for economy customers on long-haul; Roll-out of fast Wi-Fi in all cabins on short- haul and long-haul. Stressing his desire to shape a “Brish Airways for everyone”, he said the airline would connue to offer more low fares, such as the current AUD$52 (£30) one- way offer on a range of routes in the UK and Europe, so it could take on all types of airline competor. And it would keep extending its route network to desnaons customers wanted. “We want to be the airline of choice for everyone. Every customer maers – short-haul or long-haul, economy or premium. So we must have an offer that is aracve to everyone,” he said. To coincide with the speech, the airline announced a new route for next summer from Heathrow to Figari in Corsica. Brish Airways will be flying 264 routes next summer – a rise of 17 per cent in two years. He also highlighted AUD$344m (£200m) of addional investment in Club World cabins, following a AUD$689m (£400m) injecon unveiled last year. He described customer feedback on recent improvements in catering and bedding as “fantasc” and idenfied New York JFK, Rome and Aberdeen for major lounge The Zeppelin Times 4CRB Travel Show Saturday 25 November, 10am on 89.3FM The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road, Benowa, Gold Coast QLD 4217 Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.zt.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel refurbishments in 2018. Mr Cruz told his audience that Brish Airways was facing “a combinaon of compeve forces more challenging than at any point in our history” with the growth of low-cost long haul airlines, the connuing expansion of low- cost short-haul, the premium offerings of the Gulf carriers and the financial revitalisaon of US transatlanc operators. “As a naonal flag carrier, we are not granted some special immunity from the way the industry has changed,” he said. “Incumbency does not grant any privilege. We have no divine right to flourish, and we don’t ask for one.” He added: “I am passionate about seng Brish Airways on the right path to deliver for our customers and fulfil our potenal. If we connue to embrace change while staying true to our values, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
Transcript of The Zeppelin Times 4CRB Travel Show
Cruz announces AUD$7.7bn investment
Cruz announces AUD$7.7bn (£4.5bn) investment British Airways’ chief executive Alex Cruz pledged today that the airline’s new AUD$7.7bn (£4.5bn) investment programme would improve the flying experience for all customers.
Reaffirming British Airways as a premium airline committed to customer choice, he outlined the unprecedented competitive pressure the company faced and voiced his determination to create a stronger national carrier to benefit customers and remain at the forefront of world aviation.
Speaking at the World Travel Market in London, Mr Cruz said his strategy at British Airways was designed to enable increased investment for customers and wider availability of affordable fares.
He announced that the AUD$7.7bn (£4.5bn) investment over the next five years would include: 72 new aircraft, including four new types for the airline: the Airbus A350, the Boeing 787-10 and the neo (new engine option) variant of the Airbus A320 and 321; New interiors for 128 aircraft in the existing fleet; At-seat power for customers in all cabins; Upgraded catering for economy customers
on long-haul; Roll-out of fast Wi-Fi in all cabins on short-haul and long-haul.
Stressing his desire to shape a “British Airways for everyone”, he said the airline would continue to offer more low fares, such as the current AUD$52 (£30) one-way offer on a range of routes in the UK and Europe, so it could take on all types of airline competitor.
And it would keep extending its route network to destinations customers wanted. “We want to be the airline of choice for everyone. Every customer matters – short-haul or long-haul, economy or premium. So we must have an offer that is attractive to everyone,” he said. To coincide with the speech, the airline announced a new route for next summer from Heathrow to Figari in Corsica. British Airways will be flying 264 routes next summer – a rise of 17 per cent in two years.
He also highlighted AUD$344m (£200m) of additional investment in Club World cabins, following a AUD$689m (£400m) injection unveiled last year. He described customer feedback on recent improvements in catering and bedding as “fantastic” and identified New York JFK, Rome and Aberdeen for major lounge
The Zeppelin Times 4CRB Travel ShowSaturday 25 November, 10am on 89.3FM
The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road, Benowa, Gold Coast QLD 4217Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.zt.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel
refurbishments in 2018.
Mr Cruz told his audience that British Airways was facing “a combination of competitive forces more challenging than at any point in our history” with the growth of low-cost long haul airlines, the continuing expansion of low-cost short-haul, the premium offerings of the Gulf carriers and the financial revitalisation of US transatlantic operators.
“As a national flag carrier, we are not granted some special immunity from the way the industry has changed,” he said.
“Incumbency does not grant any privilege. We have no divine right to flourish, and we don’t ask for one.”
He added: “I am passionate about setting British Airways on the right path to deliver for our customers and fulfil our potential. If we continue to embrace change while staying true to our values, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
Praise for real travel agents as OTAs stumble
The Zeppelin Times 4CRB Travel ShowSaturday 25 November, 10am on 89.3FM
The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road, Benowa, Gold Coast QLD 4217Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.zt.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel
This is not a great time to be a robot. Major online travel agencies (OTAs), largely backed by algorithms and robotics, have seen their share prices hammered by anxious investors – and an influential American travel commentator has told his audience: “Don’t be afraid to call a travel agent”, meaning a human one.
Shares in US-based Priceline Group dived 13.5% last week. The group owns and operates travel fare aggregators and travel fare metasearch engines including Booking.com, Priceline.com, Agoda.com, Kayak.com, Cheapflights, Rentalcars.com, Momondo, and OpenTable.
Meanwhile, shares of TripAdvisor fell 23% and Expedia’s shares dipped by 2.74%. While the Expedia fall was not great, Reuters pointed out that Expedia’s share price had plunged 19% in the past three weeks (since 26 October 2017) – when the company reported weaker third-quarter results than markets had expected.
So what has sent the OTAs flying into rougher weather? Fiercer competition from sharing economy sites like Airbnb and hotel booking sites are among the causes cited. Some hotel chains’ own sites are refusing to be beaten on price. Hotels are offering incentives such as free WiFi to customers who book directly via websites or mobile apps.
In Europe, OTAs are still trying to recover from the reputational damage caused
by a European Commission (EC) survey of online travel booking earlier this year, which found two out of every three sites displayed misleading prices.
TRAVEL PLANNINGThe European review, deriving from one of the most comprehensive sweeps of travel websites ever undertaken, found online travel sites to be disturbingly unreliable and untrustworthy, with one third giving a final price which was not the same as the first price shown.
Travel agents – the real, flesh-and-blood sort – are looking better than ever.Travel guru Johnny Jet, writing in the American business and finance publication Forbes, said last week that “people of all generations still use travel agencies”.
Jet wrote that while the internet had made it easier to book travel directly, “if you don’t have the time to research or simply can’t seem to put all the pieces to the travel puzzle together, don’t be afraid to call a travel agent. After all, it’s their job to book these complex fares so that you can have the trip of a lifetime.”
Jet said that over one third of Millennials used “offline” travel agents – bricks and mortar in other words.
For the past 20 years, Jet has averaged over 340,000 flown kilometres and 20 countries a year. He has been featured in many major publications and has appeared on ABC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, FOX, MSNBC, NBC and PBS – so his word carries weight.
Jet went on to tell Forbes readers that finding a travel agent who was an expert on the region they wanted to visit would enable them to book the best flights, hotels, and even receive “top-notch recommendations of where to eat and sightsee”.
Jet summarised: “Since the agent has already ‘been there, done that’, they can immediately tell you where to go so you can maximise every minute of the trip.”
It may be the age of robotics and algorithms, but things like service and first-hand experience still count, it seems.
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The Zeppelin Times 4CRB Travel ShowSaturday 25 November, 10am on 89.3FM
The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road, Benowa, Gold Coast QLD 4217Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.zt.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel
Sydney Airport awarded Australian Airport of the Year
Sydney Airport recognised at Australian Airports Association’s (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather acknowledged for Outstanding Contribution to the Airport Industry Sydney Airport continues its investment program to deliver a world-class airport experience Sydney Airport has won the Australian Airports Association’s prestigious Airport of the Year Award.
The AAA National Airport Industry Awards, held in Adelaide recently, celebrate and honour excellence within Australia’s airport industry.
“It’s a huge honour for Sydney Airport to be recognised as the Australian airport of the year by our industry peers,” Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.
“I’d like to acknowledge my leadership team, staff and airport partners for their contribution to making Sydney Airport Australia’s premier airport.”
The airport also won the Airport Innovation and Excellence – Operations Award for its state-of-the-art Integrated Operations Centre. Ms Mather was recognised at the event for her outstanding contribution to the airport industry, including her leadership role in driving aviation and tourism growth.
“I’m very grateful and humbled to receive the Outstanding Contribution to the Airport Industry Award, and I’m proud to be part of Australia’s dynamic and diverse aviation
industry,” Ms Mather said.
“I’ve been privileged to spend most of my career in aviation and infrastructure, both internationally and locally, and I can honestly say that Australian airports are among the best in class airports in the world with the calibre of industry talent to match.
“During my time with Sydney Airport over the past 15 years, I’ve focused on improving the airport experience, enhancing operational efficiency and putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.
“I’ve very much enjoyed the collaborative relationships we’ve formed at Sydney Airport, working with our airline, government and industry partners to grow tourism for the benefit of Sydney, NSW and Australia.
“I’m supported by a strong team, whom I’m enormously proud of, and this award is testament to their hard work and dedication.” AAA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie acknowledged Ms Mather’s significant contribution to the aviation industry.
“Kerrie’s been a transformative influence on the Australian aviation sector during a time of significant growth and change,” Ms Wilkie said.
“She’s not only led a significant investment program at Sydney Airport, she’s also forged strong partnerships with government, industry and the community to support economic growth and lead tourism development.
“Kerrie’s oversight of Australia’s busiest airport has been truly outstanding, with many in the industry also benefiting from her advice and mentorship over the course of their careers.”
Ms Mather has more than 20 years of international aviation sector experience, including as Sydney Airport’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer since 2011 and board member since 2002.
She has led an investment program of more than $4 billion since 2002 across Sydney Airport’s airfield, terminals and roads. Sydney
Airport currently has over 200 improvement programs underway.
Over the past year, the airport has: Opened a state-of-the-art Integrated Operations Centre to improve operational resilience and efficiency; Continued its T1 improvement program to deliver a step change in the customer experience; Achieved Level Three Airport Carbon Accreditation for its reduction of carbon emissions and engagement of stakeholders to reduce their emissions; Embraced new technology, including becoming the first organisation outside greater China to implement Baidu Maps; Revitalised its retail and dining offering with Australian and airport first brands; Opened the new Mantra Hotel at T2/T3; Expanded its community investment program supporting charities, sporting clubs, the arts and community organisations; and Neared completion of its $500 million ground transport improvement program in partnership with the NSW Government, one year ahead of schedule.
ABOUT SYDNEY AIRPORT Sydney Airport is Australia’s gateway airport, serving 43 million passengers a year and connecting Sydney to a network of over 100 international, domestic and regional destinations. Located just eight kilometres from the city centre, Sydney Airport contributes $30.8 billion in economic activity a year, equivalent to 6.4 per cent of the NSW economy. Sydney Airport is a major employer in NSW, generating more than 306,700 direct and indirect jobs, equivalent to 8.9 per cent of NSW employment. Some 29,000 of these jobs are at the airport itself.
