Author: Matt Graham
Qantas Really Wants to Remind You It’s the National Carrier
Qantas really, really wants you to know it’s the Australian national carrier. For some reason, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has used the term “national carrier” at just about every opportunity when talking to the media in recent months. In fact, by our count, around two-thirds of Qantas media releases have included the “national carrier” line … Continued
Podcast #48: 747 Enthusiast Builds Flight Simulator in Garage
Think you’re a fan of the Boeing 747? You haven’t met Andrew Newnham yet… Many Australians have used the coronavirus lockdown to work on projects around the house. Canberra-based Andrew Newnham (whose AFF handle is harvyk) is no exception. But instead of reseeding his lawn, installing a new kitchen or painting the house, Andrew decided to … Continued
Aviation Enthusiast Builds 747 Flight Simulator in Garage – AIR048
Many Australians have used the travel downturn to work on projects around the house. Canberra-based Andrew Newnham, whose AFF handle is harvyk, is no exception. But instead of reseeding his lawn, installing a new kitchen or painting the house, Andrew decided to build a life-size Boeing 747 flight simulator in his garage! In this … Continued
Qantas Launches “First Class at Home” Kits, More Scenic Flights
With the resumption of international flights sadly still a long way off, Qantas is once again clearing out its excess supplies of Business and First Class wine, pyjamas, amenity kits, slippers and almonds. If you’re missing flying, you’ll be able to buy one of the premium “Business and First Class experience at home” care kits … Continued
Hilton Further Extends Status Until 2022
The Hilton Honors loyalty program will extend the status of all members until 31 March 2022, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact members’ ability to travel. Hilton already extended the status of all members for one year in March 2020. Now, it’s announced that all elite members will keep their status benefits for a … Continued
Velocity Frequent Flyer Valuation Slashed By Two-Thirds
The equity value of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program has been slashed by two-thirds in just a year, according to an independent report commissioned by Virgin’s administrators and presented to the federal court. In the report, FTI Consulting valued Virgin’s loyalty business at between $640 million and $704 million. That’s compared to a … Continued
Qatar’s Reputation Takes Huge Hit After Invasive Searches
Qatar Airways’ reputation has taken an enormous hit, with many Australians vowing never to fly through Qatar again, following shocking reports that women were subjected to human rights violations while transiting at Doha’s Hamad International Airport. Women on around 10 flights, including 13 Australians on QR908 to Sydney on 2 October 2020, were forcibly subjected … Continued
More Domestic Flights as Tasmania Reopens Border
Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have all announced the resumption of new domestic routes as Tasmania opens its borders again to most of the country for the first time since March. Tasmania reopened its border on Monday to travellers from Queensland, SA, NT, WA and ACT. People arriving from these states and territories no longer … Continued
Virgin Australia Flight Credits Useless to Overseas Residents
More than 300,000 Virgin Australia customers have now received Future Flight credits for cancelled flights. But many Virgin customers have complained they would have preferred a refund. This is especially the case for customers that had purchased expensive international business class tickets, and now have Future Flight credits worth thousands of dollars that can only … Continued