Aviation News in Brief 5 Dec 2019

Brisbane appoints BrandStory as Southeast Asian representative: Brisbane Marketing and Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) have named BrandStory in Singapore as their strategic marketing and travel representation agency in Southeast Asia. The establishment of this consortium marks a new era for Brisbane and is the first time the city has coordinated resources to target key international markets. The BrandStory appointment is a key element of the three-year partnership between Brisbane Marketing and Brisbane Airport Corporation to boost recognition of Brand Brisbane in international markets. Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO, Gert Jan de Graaff, said the decision to team with Brisbane Marketing to jointly fund and engage an agency with ASEAN market expertise was a mutually beneficial approach. The agency will work closely with other Australian representatives, including Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland, to maximise destination awareness in market. Etihad Aviation Training and Khalifa University explore game-based training: Etihad Aviation Training and Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa University of Science and Technology have announced a three-year study to develop innovative and more engaging training procedures, drawing upon neuro-cognition, for the next generation of airline pilots. The study will be conducted by Khalifa University’s College of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering) and Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) and its Cognitive-Neuro Imaging Unit, both based in Abu Dhabi. Etihad Aviation Training will provide trainees and instructors to participate in the study, access to data, and use of sophisticated full-motion flight training simulators. Jetstar Group and Tigerair Taiwan launch interline partnership: Jetstar Group and Tigerair Taiwan have announced a new alliance creating their first virtual interlining low-cost carriers (LCCs) partnership. The partnership made possible by technology company and flight search engine, Dohop, opens up new destinations, new connections and more flights for both airlines in key Asian markets, allowing customers to enjoy more seamless connectivity throughout the region. The new booking solution, powered by Dohop, allows passengers to book new connections and flights on both Jetstar and Tigerair Taiwan through their respective branded platforms, accessible through the airlines’ websites. The integrated booking engines allow customers to select flights and purchase both bundled and unbundled ancillary products, and those customers connecting between International flights, will be provided with seamless passenger and baggage transfer. IATAC signs deal with Alsim: ALSIM announced that it has signed a deal for an AL42 upgrade for International Aero Training Academy Sdn. Bhd. (IATAC), based in Peninsular, Malaysia. The school has been operating the simulator for more than eight years and decided to upgrade for the WAAS feature, PBN/LPV capabilities and Linux OS. Captain Chris Koh, simulator instructor, said: “IATAC opted Alsim for its visual display and cockpit realism. Alsim Simulator enables our cadets’ smooth transition from Visual to Instrument flight. The upgrading will give IATAC the edge over traditional training devices, bringing the Academy closer to a new generation of Flight training for pilots. Alsim team’s service is very good and I would like to thank all Alsim team for their effort and contribution to make this a success.” TELAIR and HAECO sign 10-year partnership: HAECO Component Overhaul (Xiamen) Limited announced its appointment as the exclusive authorised repair centre in the People’s Republic of China and authorised repair centre across Asia-Pacific for TELAIR International under a 10-year partnership agreement. The scope of this partnership covers full repair services for all TELAIR Power Drive Unit (PDU) and Mechanical Components on Airbus A320, A330, A330neo and A350 fleets as well as Boeing 767 and 747 fleets. Under this partnership, HAECO Component Overhaul (Xiamen) will establish a new Centre of Excellence with a dedicated state-of-the-art test bench designed and approved by TELAIR and run by experienced mechanics trained by TELAIR. In addition to providing airlines and customers with a full range of test, repair and modification services under its EASA, FAA and CAAC certifications, HAECO Component Overhaul (Xiamen) will also provide technical support, logistics services and OEM warranty administration support as an Authorised Repair Centre. Qantas opens First Lounge in Singapore: Qantas has officially opened its newest First Lounge  spread over 1,000 square metres at Singapore’s Changi Airport. The new First Lounge will operate in tandem alongside the airline’s existing International Business Lounge, providing capacity for 240 customers and a bespoke offering for Qantas’ First Class passengers and top tier frequent flyers. The new build was designed by Australian designer David Caon in collaboration with Kelvin Ho of architecture and design firm Akin Atelie and features a number of Singaporean influences across the look and feel of the lounge as well as the food and beverage offering. VietJet to launch Ho Chi Minh City – Pattaya service: VietJet announced its latest direct service connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Thailand’s famous coastal destination Pattaya (via U-Tapao International Airport). The new route will operate daily service with a flight time of one hour and 30 minutes per leg, starting from 23 December 2019. The daily flight departs from Ho Chi Minh City at 13:25 and arrives in U-tapao at 14:40; the return flight from U-tapao takes off at 11:25 and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City at 12:55 (All in local times). The opening of the newest service is expected to actively promote the number of tourists traveling between Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces of Vietnam with the Rayong and Pattaya area, a popular international tourist destination in Thailand. In addition, the new service will bring more convenient connection for international visitors via two gateways at Tan Son Nhat and U-Tapao International Airports. Air New Zealand’s inaugural Singapore – Christchurch service takes flight: Air New Zealand’s inaugural flight between Singapore and Christchurch took off from Changi Airport on 1 December 2019, marking the start of its five times weekly seasonal service, which will operate until 22 February 2020. The services will be operated with Air New Zealand’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering increased capacity across its cabins. Air New Zealand’s Head of South and South East Asia, Jenni Martin, who travelled on the inaugural service, said the launch of the airline’s Singapore-Christchurch seasonal service will further support the growing demand for travel to New Zealand from the market, where it sees Singaporeans showing a strong interest in the stunning attractions New Zealand has to offer. The launch of the seasonal service follows recent plans to increase capacity between Auckland and Singapore from end-March to October, commencing in 2020, as part of the joint venture alliance between Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines.