Powder Problem at Adelaide Airport
A mysterious yellow powder caused delays on a Singapore airlines flight to Adelaide. The powder coated passenger�s luggage as it was removed from the cargo hold.
There was speculation among passengers that the powder was paprika or some other
spice carried in the cargo hold on a previous flight.
More than 500 passengers from four flights were held in quarantine for up to six
hours while hazardous material crews attempted to identify the substance.
Airbus Delay
Airbus is expected to provide Qantas with stand-in planes because of the late delivery of the super jumbo, the A380.
Qantas also expects to be paid generous compensation for the delay.
Qantas have ordered 12 planes and due to problems with the wiring they will be
at least 12 months late. The airline initially expected it would get its first
plane this October but now must wait until October-December next year.
The Flying Kangaroo will remain an Aussie
Despite months of speculation and Qantas� continued gripe with foreign ownership
restrictions, Qantas will not leave Australian hands. The companies� chief
executive Geoff Dixon told a transport conference in Canberra last month that
there was no intention for Qantas to leave Australia.
However, he continued to lobby for parliament to change the foreign ownership
restrictions claiming they made it hard for Qantas to raise the necessary funds
to expand. As a result, Dixon claimed Qantas will be forced to remove around 1/5
of its management support positions.
Jetstar to Allocate Seating
Jetstar have backed down on their "first-in first-served" policy, allowing domestic passengers to choose seats in advance. Jetstar will be introducing allocated seating from October to bring its domestic operations in line with its trans-Tasman and proposed long-haul international flights.
The change makes Jetstar the first domestic carrier to allow passengers to reserve a seat months in advance. People travelling on domestic services after October 29 will be able to specify their seat, through either the airline's website or its call centre. Those who don't pre-select will be allocated a seat and receive it when they check in.
Jetstar have assured consumers that prices will not rise as a result of the change.
Winter Weather Causes Delays
As winter sets in, passengers have been experiencing long delays as a result of
heavy fog around Sydney and Melbourne. Delays of up to 12 hours were experienced
by many a disgruntled passenger last month.
Airlines advise passengers where possible to book an earlier flight to allow
sufficient time to cater for potential delays caused by weather and remember�
patience is a virtue.
