The inaugural service, QF159, was at full capacity today with holidaymakers and business travellers making  the near 3-hour journey to one of the Pacific’s hidden gems. 

The new route offers three direct flights per week from the Sunshine State, and from 12 December 2024*  Jetstar will also offer up to four weekly flights between Sydney and Port Vila. Across both airlines this will  create more than 150,000 new seats each year between Australia and Vanuatu and making it easier than  ever for Australians to experience the beaches, rich culture, and unique adventures that Vanuatu has to  offer. 

The new flights will promote tourism between Australia and Vanuatu, strengthening economic ties and  providing a boost to the local economy and tourism economy of the broader Pacific region, encouraging  ongoing Australian visitation to the island capital. 

Port Vila is one of the Flying Kangaroo’s four new international routes from the Queensland capital that it  has launched within 12 months. Today’s inaugural service follows the launch of Brisbane to Wellington and  Honiara in October 2023 and the upcoming launch of Brisbane to Manila in late-October 2024, which will  add more than 100,000 seats between Australia and the Philippines each year. 

Qantas Group CEO International Cam Wallace says:  

“We are thrilled to expand our network with the introduction of direct flights between Brisbane and Port  Vila. This new route will maintain connectivity between Australia and the South Pacific, opening new  opportunities for leisure and business travel to the region.” 

“With its lush landscapes and crystal blue waters, Vanuatu is a truly remarkable destination and we are  proud to offer our customers more ways to experience its natural beauty.” 

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan Graaff says:  

“This new Qantas route to Port Vila reinforces Brisbane Airport’s role as Australia’s Pacific hub.”  

“The service offers Queenslanders an easy escape to paradise on our doorstep. It also provides the growing  number of people from Vanuatu now living in Queensland, particularly those working in the agricultural  sector, with direct access to home and family.”  

Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru says:  

“The launch of Qantas’ inaugural flight from Brisbane to Port Vila marks a significant milestone for  Vanuatu’s tourism industry and strengthens our connectivity with Australia.” 

“Vanuatu offers an unforgettable escape, where travellers can immerse themselves in stunning landscapes,  rich kastom, and adventure. We can’t wait to welkam Qantas customers to our shores and share the  beautiful experiences our 83 islands have to offer.”

The new service will be operated by a Qantas Boeing 737 aircraft on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. All Qantas  fares include checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, and seat selection. Qantas Frequent  Flyers will also earn Qantas Points and Status Credits on eligible flights. 

Fast Facts 

• Route: Brisbane (BNE) to Port Vila (VLI) 
• Return fares: Starting from $796 in economy and $3,506 in business class 
• Flight numbers: QF159 Brisbane to Port Vila, QF160 Port Vila to Brisbane.  
• Frequency: Three times weekly (Tuesday, Friday, Sunday) 
• Duration: 3 hours 
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, 12 business class and 162 economy seats 

Qantas history of flying to Vanuatu  

• Operated Empire Flying Boats as charters between Noumea and Port Vila in WW2 carrying troops  and freight including 1-tonne of gold bullion. 
• In the 1960s when Qantas owned Fiji Airways, regular services were operated between Nandi and  Port Vila. 

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• Red eDeal change fee;
• Flex name change fee and cancellation fee; and
• Premium Economy Saver change fee, name change fee and cancellation fee.

The change fees are effective for sale and travel on or after Wednesday 9 October 2024.

Other fare conditions remain the same.

When will the increased change, name change and cancellation fees take effect? 

The new AUD119.00 Red eDeal change fee, Flex name change/cancellation fee and Premium Economy  change/name change/cancellation fee will apply per passenger per ticket to: 

• New retail and wholesale tickets purchased on/after 9 October 2024; and 
• Subsequent reissues, of existing retail and wholesale tickets purchased on/before 8 October 2024, which  have been reissued on/after 9 October 2024. 

How is the change fee applied to Qantas Australian domestic tickets issued on/before 8 October 2024? 

For the first change on an Australian domestic ticket, the change/name change/cancellation fee is the fee that  was applicable on the date of original ticket issue.  

For subsequent changes, on an Australian domestic ticket on/after 9 October 2024; the change/name  change/cancellation fee charged is the fee that was applicable on the date of the most recent reissue. 

• For example, a Red eDeal ticket issued on 8 October 2024 and changed on 9 October 2024, the change  fee applicable is AUD99.00 which was the change fee applicable on the date of original ticket issue. Any  subsequent reissues of the ticket on/after 9 October 2024 will attract the revised AUD119.00 change fee.

Fequently Asked Questions 

Why are the flight change/name change/cancellation fees being increased on Australian domestic Red  eDeal and Flex fares? 

Qantas continuously monitors its fares, surcharges and operating costs and as a result has made an adjustment  to these flight change/name change and cancellation fees. The last increase to these fees was in March 2017.  

How is the change fee collected?  

Where a change fee applies in accordance with a ticketed fare, the ticket must be reissued, and the change fee  receipted separately from the ticket using EMD-S. The EMD-S must: 

• Be issued per customer; and 
• Raised at the time of reissue; and 
• Be cross referenced to the new ticket number; and 
• Where, applicable, show GST separately as a “UO” amount. 

In all instances where a change fee applies, the ticket must be reissued, and it is not permitted to be revalidated.  This applies to all International and Australian Domestic fares validated to Qantas (QF -08I). 

How is the change fee identified?  

The change fee for EMD-S is identified using the following codes: 

• Service Code “REIS” 
• RFIC: “D”; and 
• RFISC: “98I” (note that this is the letter I for “India” and not the number 1) 

How is the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for the change fee shown? 

When an EMD-S is issued for a change being made to an Australian Domestic ticket, the GST component is  shown separately as a “UO” amount.  

For example: A change fee of AUD119.00 is shown on the EMD-S as change fee = $108.18 + $10.82 UO. 

How are multiple change fees collected?  

When multiple change fees apply to a customer’s ticket for the changes being made, the individual EMD-S’ are  not required. 

• A single EMD-S can be issued for each customer for multiple change fees; 
• The EMD-S payment is a lump sum of the combined total of the change fees applicable; • No breakdown is required; and 
• If GST applies, show separately as a lump sum “UO” amount. 

Do change fees attract commission? 

No. Change fees are non-commissionable. 

Will the increased flight change fee impact Groups? 

Yes. The new AUD$119.00 fee will apply to Group bookings made on/after 9 October 2024.

Will the increased flight change / name change / cancellation fees impact Qantas Business Rewards  members? 

Yes. The new AUD119.00 fee will apply for tickets issued or reissued to Qantas Business Rewards members  on/after 9 October 2024 for the relevant fare classes. 

Will the increased flight change / name change / cancellation fees impact customers on a Qantas  corporate airfare agreement? 

Yes. The new AUD119.00 fee will apply to tickets issued on/after 9 October 2024. Customers should refer to the  fare rules and classes of their corporate airfares agreement to determine which fees are applicable.

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Coalition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie wrote in The Australian Financial Review the government  should be handed forced divestiture powers in the aviation industry. 

It follows similar populist calls targeting supermarkets and other large retail sectors.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says he endorses the proposals.

McKenzie says Treasurer Jim Chalmers will have “failed another reform opportunity unless he deals with divestiture as a measure to ensure consumers’ interests are protected, and not at the mercy of the entrenched duopoly”.

“Australians want an airline sector where you have genuine choice, where your plane takes off and lands on time, and your bags arrive at your destination with you,” McKenzie said.

“[The government’s] competition review will be a failure if it does not address the role of divestiture in the Australian aviation sector.”

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The daily flight will start on December 1, significantly enhancing capacity on the route with flights due to operate on CEB’s high-density and more fuel-efficient Airbus A330neo aircraft, configured with 459 economy class seats.

To celebrate the increase in capacity, CEB is launching a special seat sale from
today to September 10 allowing passengers from Sydney to book their flights to Manila for a $209 one-way, all-in fare (for travel from November 1 to May 31, 2025.)

“This development is a testament to our commitment to enhancing global connectivity and providing greater convenience for our passengers from Australia,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer.

Meanwhile Singapore Airlines has launched an Early Bird promotion, offering discounts to destinations spanning Africa, America, Europe, North Asia, Southeast Asia and West Asia.

Departures are available from Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney plus Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart and Launceston through its Virgin Australia partner network.

Return fares start from $632 with savings available across all cabin classes for travel from January to September 2025. Sample fares include Melbourne to London return from $1,588.

“Enthusiasm for international travel remains high and our Early Bird discount fares across a wide variety of destinations plus bonus miles, will ensure customers can make the most of their holidays from the moment they book,” said Mr Louis Arul, Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President South West Pacific.

https://www.cebupacificair.com/en-PH/

www.singaporeair.com

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The EasyJet flight was bound for Kos International Airport in Greece after leaving London Gatwick Airport on Tuesday afternoon.

There was some turbulence during the flight which led to the irate passenger – who was allegedly intoxicated on whisky – standing up and berating the captain, according to a report in The New York Post.

During the flight, the unidentified man got into a war of words with other passengers, which led to a brawl and the unruly traveller being detained.

An emergency landing was made at Munich International Airport an hour and 44 minutes after take-off, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

Passengers cheered as the man was handcuffed and removed by German police, the incident captured on video posted to TikTok.

During the mid-air episode, which happened at 30,000 feet, the passenger reportedly broke the onboard intercom and fought with the flight crew, according to The Sun.

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“We identified an engine component failure in the A350 aircraft in question.  Cathay Pacific has fully complied with all maintenance requirements of the engine manufacturer and stringent maintenance procedures are in place to ensure that our fleet is always operated safely.  This component was the first of its type to suffer such failure on any A350 aircraft worldwide.

“We immediately brought this issue to the attention of the aircraft and engine manufacturers as well as our regulators.  As a precautionary measure, we also proactively initiated a fleet-wide inspection of our 48 A350 aircraft. This thorough inspection process is well underway and will be completed today.  Thus far we have identified a number of the same engine components that need to be replaced, spare parts have been secured and repair work is underway,” the statement said.

“As a result, a number of aircraft will be out of service for several days while this process is being completed and Cathay Pacific’s operating schedules will be affected.  We are committed to minimizing any disruption for our customers and will keep them informed with the latest updates, proactively providing alternative travel arrangements when necessary.

“Thus far we have had to cancel 24 return flights operating up until the end of tomorrow and all of the affected customers have been informed and provided with alternate travel arrangements.  For any further cancellations, we will provide another update as early as possible tomorrow.   Please refer to cathaypacific.com for the latest flight information,” the statement concluded.

“At Cathay, safety of our customers and our people guides every decision we make,” Cathay Director Engineering Keith Brown said.

“Each aircraft is undergoing a rigorous inspection.  Upon completion, the aircraft cleared for operation will return to service, while those identified with technical issues will undergo further repair and maintenance work. Meanwhile, we are liaising with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and the aircraft and engine manufacturers. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding,” he said.

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On sale from today, the new service will boost capacity to the USA by adding more than 40,000 seats per  year to the Hawaiian capital, in addition to existing Sydney to Honolulu services with Qantas and Jetstar which collectively operate eight times per week. The new Qantas flights will operate three times per week  with an Airbus A330 aircraft. 

The route announcement comes as the Flying Kangaroo launches a 7-day North and South America Red  Tail Sale, with more than 50,000 seats discounted across the Qantas network from today. 

Economy sale fares start from $1,049 return, with more than 30 routes on sale, including Sydney and  Brisbane to Los Angeles ($1,199), Sydney to Vancouver ($1,599), Melbourne to Honolulu ($1,049) and  Melbourne to Dallas ($1,699). 

The fares are for a range of travel periods between October 2024 and June 2025, offering passengers the  opportunity to book great value flights for an upcoming business trip, visit to family and friends abroad, or a  dream holiday. 

All sale fares include checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, and seat selection. Qantas  Frequent Flyers will also earn Qantas Points and Status Credits on eligible flights.  

“We are thrilled to continue to enhance our network in America with the launch of a new route from  Melbourne to Honolulu, bringing a new, tropical destination to our Melbourne customers,” Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace said. 

QANTAS RETURN INTERNATIONAL FARES INCLUDE (STARTING FROM):

*Subject to government and regulatory approval. 

**Sale ends 11:59pm Monday 9 September 2024, unless sold out prior. Selected travel dates and days apply and fares may not be available on all flights or  days. Blackout periods apply. Fares are calculated off the lowest published Economy Class fare on qantas.com and may differ via travel agent. Visit  qantas.com for full terms and conditions. 

***Classic Plus fares include a cash component of taxes, fees, and carrier charges.

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The A380 livery’s design is inspired by the playful elements of the Emirates Airline Foundation’s logo, incorporating the theme of children’s artwork with pastel stars in light green, warm orange, baby blue and soft pink across the fuselage, rounded off with a bold message that encapsulates the Foundation’s mission – ‘Help to support children in need’. All four engine cowls of the Emirates A380 have also been adorned in the warm orange hue, symbolising a better future for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children that the Foundation supports.

The new livery has taken the airline’s philanthropic message to the skies, and the aircraft heads to Johannesburg, South Africa, today where the Foundation supports two important projects.

Operating under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, the Emirates Airline Foundation is a non-profit charity organisation providing humanitarian, philanthropic aid and essential services for children, with the aim to create meaningful, sustainable and lasting impact in the communities that it serves.

Over the last twenty years, The Emirates Airline Foundation has supported over 50 projects, partnering with numerous community-based organisations and NGOs to deepen their work and serve the critical developmental needs of children for safe housing, food and medical care, and empowerment through education and capacity development, irrespective of geography, background, political associations or religion. Funding towards projects is made possible by the generous donations made onboard or online by Emirates customers, donors and employees.

The projects supported by the Foundation have mainly been focused in Emirates’ destinations, where the airline’s employee volunteers can actively donate their time and oversee their management.

The Foundation currently supports 14 NGOs in 9 countries, which includes Emirates-CHES Home, a safe haven for 100 abandoned HIV positive children who regularly receive medical support and care; IMMPACT Girls Education Project in rural India which provided education through community-based learning centres to 5,000 girls last year and face to-face training sessions for almost 1,500 teachers; Prithipura Communities in Sri Lanka supporting 240 infants, children and young adults with disabilities through specialist care, education, vocational training and employment opportunities; Virlanie Foundation in the Philippines where funding from the Emirates Airline Foundation helps reach out to abandoned, abused, exploited, neglected and orphaned children. The Foundation also helped to bring the Emirates Friendship Hospital in Bangladesh to life for over a decade, and healthcare has been made available to over 650,000 people living in poverty.

In Kenya, the Foundation supports three organisations:  The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School providing holistic education and rehabilitation for children, and the Foundation has supported its meal programme since 2014; Alfajiri Street Kids which offers a safe space and a range of programmes focusing on art therapy for more than 200 children; Starehe Boys’ Centre which delivers academic support for underprivileged boys and includes a high school and multiple tertiary programmes. The Foundation sponsors four-year scholarships for 10 boys studying at the school.

In South Africa and Zimbabwe, the Foundation’s focus on holistic education and medical care includes: Fikelela Children’s Centre which is committed to serving children afflicted with HIV/AIDS. The Foundation supports the running costs of the centre and has also funded new facilities to help care for and house 40 young children, including infants who have been neglected or abandoned because of the virus. Singakwenza aims to support early childhood education for low-income communities in South Africa, and the Foundation has provided training for 71 practitioners to create learning opportunities for 970 young children.  St Marcellin’s Children’s Village cares for orphaned and homeless children in Zimbabwe, many with physical disabilities, blindness and HIV, and over 70 children are currently under the care of the organisation with the Foundation’s support.

In Brazil, the Saint Rita de Cassia Orphanage houses 96 orphaned and abandoned girls in Rio de Janeiro and provides shelter, education and care from ages 4-14. Externato Sao Francisco de Assis is a non-profit that cares for underprivileged children, often from single-parent families and operates a school with more than 70 pre-school students.

In its home base of Dubai, the Foundation supports SAFE Centre for Autism, a facility that offers a safe and inclusive environment for children struggling with complex learning difficulties.

In the last financial year, 20 other NGOs have also benefited from the Foundation, with over 500 flight tickets issued on Emirates to volunteers conducting medical, engineering and education missions around the globe. Missions include Virginia Children’s Connection to perform plastic surgery, cleft lip repair, and burn care for more than 275 patients in India; World Wide Smiles (FWWS) travelled to Uganda to offer dental healthcare; Global Smile Foundation journeyed to Lebanon to perform surgery on children born with cleft palate and lip; Operation of Hope Worldwide sent 46 medical professionals from various countries to perform transformative surgeries in Zimbabwe for conditions such as cleft lips and severe burn injuries; and Australian Doctors for Africa went to Ethiopia to conduct  intensive training in orthopaedics and wound management.

The Emirates Airline Foundation is regulated by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) and is licensed by the Government of Dubai.

To find out more about the Foundation’s active projects, or if you would like to make a donation of cash or Emirates Skywards Miles, please visit: www.emiratesairlinefoundation.org

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The Vietjet Redcliffe KiteFest will gather top kite artisans from Vietnam, Malaysia, China, New Zealand, and Australia, showcasing some of the world’s most unique and largest kites. Vietjet’s kites will soar high, blending with the vibrant atmosphere of this year’s festival and embodying the spirit of ‘A whole new world, a whole new me’.

Visitors can join engaging games and challenges at the Vietjet booth for a chance to win exclusive merchandise and free flight tickets. Don’t miss the opportunity to snap a selfie with Amy, Vietjet’s official mascot, and enjoy interactive activities and fantastic giveaways. The Vietjet booth is set to be a highlight of the KiteFest, promising endless entertainment for visitors of all ages!

In celebration of the festival and to provide Australians with more opportunities to explore Asia, Vietjet will offer an exclusive one-day promotion on 9 September. Travellers can book Eco tickets at an incredible 99% discount (excluding taxes and fees) for Vietjet’s entire network, enabling them to explore destinations across Asia. This offer is valid for travel from 1 January to 22 May 22, 2025, presenting many opportunities to plan a memorable trip for the new year. The availability of discounted seats varies depending on the route and travel dates.

Vietjet is committed to enriching the communities it serves. Through its sponsorship of the Redcliffe KiteFest, Vietjet supports the celebration of culture and the gathering of families and friends. Vietjet is also involved in other prominent Australian events, such as the Sydney Marathon, United Cup, and Kooyong Classic.

Vietjet not only offers affordable fares but also ensures a unique in-flight experience for its passengers. With modern aircraft and professional, dedicated flight crews, travellers can enjoy fresh and hot meals onboard Vietjet. Additionally, passengers are entitled to free SkyCare travel insurance and can earn points to redeem rewards through the Vietjet SkyJoy loyalty program, making every journey both enjoyable and rewarding.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this colourful celebration at the Vietjet Redcliffe KiteFest. Visit redcliffekitefest.com.au for more information and ticket bookings!

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But, the All Blacks are not amused.

They’ve called into question the timing of the fly-by which took place during the team’s haka performance. A cultural tradition that has been linked to the team since its beginning.

The low-level flypast marks three milestones for Emirates and South Africa; The flying display celebrates the return of the second daily A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route from 1 September.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, takes to the skies to celebrate its longstanding and ongoing commitment to South Africa, with the country’s first ever A380 flypast. Running up the score, the remarkable low-level aerial showcase also marks Emirates’ first ever flypast in Africa and the first international airline to execute such a feat in South Africa.

Honouring its shared love for rugby with over 62,000 enthusiastic spectators, Emirates flew the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft over Emirates Airline Park, just before kick-off of the much-anticipated Springboks vs All Blacks test match. Flying at an altitude of just 500 feet above the ground, the iconic Emirates double-decker aircraft saluted rugby and aviation fans, in its latest signature livery.

The Emirates A380 took off from O.R. Tambo International Airport at 16:00, travelling at a speed of 140 kts, reaching the stadium at 16:58, perfectly timed to follow South Africa and New Zealand’s national anthems. The impressive aerial feat follows months of thorough and cross-functional planning between stakeholders including multiple teams at Emirates, South African Civil Aviation Authority, Airports Company South Africa, Emirates pilots, Flight Operation Managers and Air Traffic Controllers working together with the Emirates Lions team. The teams worked together across every element of the aerial display, taking into account air traffic patterns at different times of the day with different weather and wind conditions.

Afzal Parambil, Country Manager of Southern Africa, Emirates said, “Tonight’s record-setting flypast is a powerful display of our unwavering commitment to South Africa. It represents not just an achievement of technical excellence, but encapsulates our ongoing partnership with key stakeholders in South Africa, including the Civil Aviation Authority, O.R. Tambo International Airport, Emirates Lions and, of course, the strong relationship we’ve built with our customers and travel partners here over the years. For almost three decades, we’ve unlocked an array of choices for our customers, by offering an outstanding on-ground and in-flight experience coupled with seamless global connectivity, and we’re not slowing down now. We look forward to the next 30 years, and beyond, of serving South Africa and spotlighting its many attractions to the world.”

Pieter Burger, Ellis Park Stadium Managing Director, said, “The flyover has become such a pre-match entertainment staple at the iconic Emirates Airline Park. First witnessed in 1995 at the final of the international rugby showpiece where the South African national rugby team was victorious, to have had this moment tonight against the very same opposition was a thrilling experience for fans watching at the stadium and at home.

We are extremely grateful to our long-time partner Emirates who were pivotal towards the success of this project, together with all other role players involved. From a lasting memory perspective, this will certainly be up there for those who had the privilege to witness the moment.”

The flypast also marks the return of Emirates’ second A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route, enhancing more customer choice and travel options with Emirates’ iconic onboard products and world-class service. EK761 departs Dubai at 04.05, landing in Johannesburg at 10:15, with the return flight, EK762, departing Johannesburg at 13.25 and touching down in Dubai at 23.45, perfectly timed for onward connections to key destinations in the Far East, Europe and the Middle East.

Emirates is one of the world’s biggest supporters of rugby. In South Africa, Emirates’ investment in the sport is headlined by its steadfast title sponsorship of the Emirates Lions, including naming rights of the team’s home stadium, Emirates Airline Park. The airline also sponsors the action-packed Cape Town Sevens, a regular fixture on the Sevens World Series calendar and one of the most popular live sporting events in South Africa, regularly drawing over 100,000 spectators.

Globally, Emirates can be found at the centre of the action from grassroots to professional leagues as the sponsor of Rugby World Cup since 2007, with prominent presence planned at the upcoming 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Firmly established as a long-term partner of South African aviation, tourism, and trade, Emirates has been serving the market for 29 years, connecting over 20 million travellers to/from South Africa with more than 140 destinations on its vast global network, via Dubai. The airline serves customers traveling to and from South Africa with 42 weekly flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, with additional connectivity to regional points across the country offered by its codeshare and interline partners South African Airways, Airlink, Cemair, and FlySafair.

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