Flight Centre adopts ‘blended travel agency’ strategy

September 7, 2012

BOOSTED by a strong financial performance worldwide, Flight Centre is now turning its attention to expanding its global travel retail network, as well as the introduction of a hybrid agency concept.

According to managing director Graham Turner, Flight Centre’s five-year plan includes a retail transformation that will marry its online capabilities, which now include transactional international airfares, with its global shop network.

“We will provide seamless 24/7 service for customers through our unique blend of web offerings, extended shop hours, call centres, mobile phone services and more after-hours sales teams. Customers will also be able to switch between sales channels – for example, starting a booking with an expert consultant in-store and completing it online at home.”

“The Internet’s strength allows instant gratification of customer travel needs – this is something we can now match both online and offline,” he said. “Rather than being a specialist as an online or offline travel agency, we want to create a new category – a blended travel agency – providing an (integrated) solution that will offer instant and deep access to our product (at all times).

Through its Web Shop, customers will be able to find a wide range of air and land products including accommodation.

While Flight Centre’s main reason for entering Asia was corporate travel, it now wants to also focus on offering leisure travel service in countries such as Singapore, China (via call centre), India and Hong Kong, where it opened its first retail outlet in the market this year (TTG Asia e-Daily, March 1, 2012). A third Flight Centre leisure shop will open in Singapore in the coming months.

Flight Centre posted a A$200 million (US$209 million) net profit, up 43.1 per cent, for the year ending June 30, 2012, with total transaction value rising 8.5 per cent to A$13.2 billion. Its 10 countries were profitable for the second consecutive year, with Australia, the UK, the US, Greater China, Singapore and Dubai delivering record profits.

The night awakes

By TTG Asia

September 7, 2012

A stand-up comedy by Indians, a dinner in the dark and a Moroccan bar with tabla performances, TTG Asia reporters shine the spotlight on new-to-town F&B and entertainment options that will keep Indian travellers buzzing long after sundown

Clockwise from left: Kasbah The Fort; food from Lucky 13; VIEW62 by Paco Roncero; AMMO; Sunba Retro Bar

Singapore by Liang Xinyi

Lucky 13
Opened in October 2011

Where #01-02 TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Road

Hours of operation 17.00-00.00 (Monday-Thursday); 17.00-02.00 (Friday-Saturday)

 What’s special A Miami-style club featuring Cuban and Latin cuisine. Popular among Indian expats, this restaurant-club will appeal to Indians’ love of drinks, food, music and partying. Its location in the heart of Orchard Road makes it convenient for Indian travellers to wrap up a day of shopping with drinks – happy hours run till 22.00 daily. The club boasts various sections, from the more intimate Viper Lounge to the L-shaped bar and al fresco deck.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Private bookings of the Viper Lounge can be made with a minimum of 25 people and S$2,000 spending (US$1,606), while a custom menu – which can offer free flow of drinks and food – is possible. The club’s operators are willing to discuss packages for bigger groups.

Fight Comic
Opened in May 2012

Where BluJaz Café, 11 Bali Lane

Hours of operation Every Thursday, from 20.00

What’s special This weekly event offers a view of Singapore’s nascent stand-up comedy scene, which has grown phenomenally in the last two years. Homegrown talents poke fun at Indian culture, making this ideal for good-humoured guests who love a fun banter. Fight Club’s headlining acts include the country’s only Indian female stand-up, Sharul Channa. Foreign comedians also perform occasionally; for example, Sanjay Manaktala from Mumbai.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Prior to the show, guests are encouraged to fill out an audience card to pose questions to ‘Uncle Agony’ as well as to suggest topics – the comedians never shy away from any issue requested, according to the organisers.  There is no vegetarian menu, but menu customisations such as buffets and free flow of drinks can be arranged for groups of more than 25 people. Cover charge is currently S$10 (US$8) per pax, with no additional discounts for groups. Alternatively, if guests are keen to watch Fight Comic at other locations or on other days, a minimum of 50 pax is required.

Thailand by Timothy France

Calypso Cabaret Theatre
Opening in September 2012

Where Asiatique, The Riverfront, 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok

Hours of operation 20.15 and 21.45 (show times)

What’s special For the last 24 years, Thailand’s ‘lady boys’ have been dazzling audiences at the Asia Hotel, but come September, its new riverside venue will boast an increased capacity, from 350 to 500 seats, as well as a Thai restaurant on the premises. Regulars to the show can expect an expanded troupe of cabaret dancers, as well as new and improved acts. The theatre also offers immediate access to the Asiatique retail and lifestyle complex, which has late-night shopping and dining, with its 1,500 shops and 40 restaurants.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests The show attracts a growing number of FIT travellers from India but few group bookings, said Nipon Boonmasuwaran, manager of Calypso Cabaret Theatre. Ticket prices are set at 1,200 baht per person (US$38), although discounts are available for advanced and prepaid bookings. Group deals are available on a case-by-case basis, as are private performances.

DID – Dine in the Dark
Where 2nd floor, Ascott Sathorn Bangkok, 187 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok

Opened in June 2012

Hours of operation Seatings at 18.30-20.30 and 20.30-23.00 (daily)

What’s special After a day’s sightseeing in the Thai capital, Indian tourists may wish to engage in a sightless dining experience, a phenomenon that originated in Europe and has now arrived in Bangkok. DID is a culinary concept designed to amplify your senses, thus offering a truly unique experience. Guests are welcomed by a hostess before they are guided to their seat by visually-impaired waiting staff. The restaurant donates 10 per cent of earnings to support programmes for the blind.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Three set menus are offered with a choice of Thai, Western or vegetarian food starting from 750++ baht (US$24) per person, and wines starting from 200 baht per glass. Diners are not immediately told what is in the three-course menu, as discovery is part of the pleasure. The standard vegetarian menu does contain eggs and dairy products, but vegans can also be accommodated.

The existing restaurant has 60 seats, and group bookings are accepted and prices are negotiable. Themed events happen regularly, and special arrangements can be made for private group bookings, such as an Indian menu prepared by an in-house chef, multiple courses and alternative entertainment.

Hong Kong by Prudence Lui

AMMO
Opened in May 2012

Where Lower Level, Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty

Hours of operation 11.30-00.00 (Sunday to Thursday); 11.30-01.00 (Friday, Saturday and eve of public holiday)

What’s special Dining at AMMO is dining in heritage and history. A former explosives magazine compound created by the British army in the mid-19th century, the site underwent a conversion and is now the Asia Society Hong Kong Center. Its interiors evoke a cinematic experience with spiral staircases as chandeliers and a copper-crafted mural. The surreal and modern space makes it a surprise within bustling Hong Kong.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests AMMO draws from the best of East and West, its menu comprising Asian and Mediterranean dishes. Signature starters include the Slow Cooked Egg with Toro, and its homemade pasta dishes include the Gnocchi with Braised Angus Oxtail, Sorrento Lemon Zest and Cocoa Powder. Vegetarian alternatives can be prepared upon request. A tailormade set menu for private events costs an average of HK$500 (US$64) per person for lunch and HK$800 per person for dinner, plus 10 per cent.

AMMO can organise a guided tour around the historic sites for groups before or after their meal. At the Joseph Lau Roof Garden, guests can take in the sights of the stunning Admiralty skyline as they pass through the Yasumoto Bridge to the Heritage Compound, where three Grade 1 historic buildings are located.

At additional cost, guests will also be able to visit the Asia Society Gallery. From September 25 to January 6, on display are 150 exclusive pieces of Indian jewellery dating from the 17th-19th centuries as part of the exhibition, When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry from the Susan L. Beningson Collection.

VIEW62 by Paco Roncero
Opened in June 2012

Where 62nd floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai

Hours of operation 11.30-02.00 (daily for lunch, tea, dinner and lounge)

What’s special Paco Roncero, one of Spain’s most influential chefs, has brought nouvelle cuisine to Hong Kong’s only revolving restaurant, which boasts unrivalled views from Victoria Harbour to The Peak. The two-Michelin-star chef is famous for his innovative culinary techniques, and guests can expect avant-garde dishes with unforgettable textures and flavours.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Groups can book the entire dining area or lounge for private events, but there are minimum charges for lunch and dinner. Prices range from HK$80,000 (US$10,317) to HK$220,000. – Prudence Lui

The Philippines by Marianne Carandang

Seventh High
Opened in November 2011

Where 7th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila

Hours of operation Lounge (18.30-02.00); Club and Club Room (22.00-04.00)

What’s special This popular multi-level supper club in posh Bonifacio High Street is an intimate alternative to others like Prive, also in the same area, and the huge Republiq Club at Resorts World Manila, located near the airport.

The third-floor Lounge offers full dining service and drinks and can accommodate up to 100-120 people; the second-floor Club Room, a VIP area, 80-100 people; and the main Club, 500 people. The Club plays pop, R&B and mash-up dance mixes, while The Lounge has its own nightly live bands and the music ranges from ‘60s hits to jazz.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests All areas can be reserved by private groups. Previously customised events include an Indian bridal shower at the Lounge, which served 200 come-and-go guests vegetarian food. Exclusive events can be booked for about four hours and 100 people at 1,000 pesos (US$24) per pax, or a smaller group size at negotiable rates. Live acts can also be brought in.

Kasbah The Fort
Opened in May 2012

Where The Fort Strip, 7th Ave cor Katipunan Circle Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila

Hours of operation 12.00-00.00 (daily)

What’s special The two-level restaurant is an offshoot of Kasbah Bar in Boracay, known for its Moroccan food and sunset live music performances that run late into the night. In fact, it opened in Manila due to popular demand from Boracay visitors. To date, it is the only venue to offer Moroccan food in Moroccan-styled decor.

DJs spin on Tuesday nights, while on Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays, live music performances by local music legends are rotated. Performances at Kasbah often take on a world music feel.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Both the Manila and Boracay outlets bring in special performances by the Sing India band, which features the music and voices of CJ Wasu and Punnu Wasu. Punnu, trained in Hindustani classic music, plays the mandolin and the harmonium. His brother, CJ, plays the tabla, the harmonium, the dhol and the dholak. Belly dancers are sometimes brought in too.

Food-wise, there are many dishes suitable for Indian diners. The second floor can be blocked off for private groups and parties of about 40 people. Set dinners are available for events that can last up to around four hours.

Malaysia by S Puvaneswary

Sunmall stretch in Pantai Tengah, Langkawi
Opened in January 2012

Hours of operation Sunba Retro Bar (19.00-0.200); Sunsutra (18.00-00.00); Sunkarma (18.00-00.00); Sun Café (12.00-00.00)

What’s special Owned by Langkawi’s Sun Group, the row of entertainment and F&B outlets provides a good spread of night options. Dressed up in kampung (village)-style, Sunba Retro Bar has an in-house band, while just next door is Sunsutra, a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine. Guests can order food from Sunsutra and asked to be served in Sunba Retro Bar. Sunkarma is a chill-out lounge and Sun Café is a more casual eatery compared to Sunsutra.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests Sunba Retro Bar’s live band can play songs in Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil. Sunsutra also has a vegetarian menu and on request, it can prepare special Indian dishes.

All the venues can accommodate private functions, and they are willing to work with tour operators to cater to the special needs of clients.

Nawab Authentic Moghul Restaurant
Opened in September 2011

Where No. 2 Chulan Square, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur

Hours of operation 11.30 to 23.30 (daily)

What’s special Chefs are very experienced in Indian cuisine and come from India. Non-vegetarian tandoor items are signature dishes.

How experience can be tailored for Indian guests The restaurant guarantees its dishes are similar to Moghul and North Indian cuisine found in India. Special rates can be offered for groups, and tour operators must book in advance for private functions. On request, the restaurant can arrange for live music by ghazal (lyric poem) singers and the closing time can be extended until 02.00. – S Puvaneswary

This article was first published in TTG India, August/September, 2012 on page 10. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.

Laguna Phuket beefs up events

By Karen Yue

September 7, 2012

Laguna Phuket, which already plays host to several public events each year, such as the Laguna Phuket International Marathon, the Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest and the Summer Family Festival (SFF), is to lure more visitors.

It staged the Phuket International Blues Rock Festival for the first time in February, drawing some 1,800 party-goers over two nights, an achievement that Debbie Dionysius, assistant vice president-destination marketing, believes will cement the integrated resort’s reputation as a premier event venue.

Laguna Phuket has also been growing the scale of its popular SFF, which began in 2009 as a “simple two-month platform of entertainment during our low season months…with the aim of boosting activities on offer and our visitor numbers”, said Dionysius.
While most of the festival activities are held at the Canal Village Shopping Centre on resort grounds, families staying at Laguna Phuket’s seven hotels and resorts are also invited to join in various on-site activities.

Armed with 20 per cent more spending budget this year, the SFF, which ran from June 23 to August 25, featured a wider variety of entertainment options and was backed by stronger local and international promotions. Event highlights included Art Adventure art classes, free Zumba fitness sessions twice a week, entertainment by strolling performers from the Palazzo dinner theatre and thematic parties. A Beer Tent and Kidz Fun Zone were also carved out of the festive grounds, with the former keeping adults occupied with televised sporting events, weekly quiz nights and happy hour drinks, and the latter appealing to young children with cooking classes, golf excursions and sports.

Dionysius noted that the activities were always well attended. She said: “The entertainment programme at the festival in July and August drew hundreds of hotel guests and local residents, but it is difficult to ascertain numbers as there were different events staged throughout the duration and each event had attracted varying numbers. Our themed parties that opened and closed the SFF, as well as another one held midway through the (festive) period, were very well attended, with our hotels that provided F&B reporting great revenue figures every night.”

She added that Australia has been a leading source market for Laguna Phuket’s properties during the SFF months, “as schools there are on holiday and families seek a destination that is within easy reach and offers good value family entertainment”.

Although the success of the festival has helped to boost hotel occupancy during the traditional low season months, Dionysius told TTG Asia that room rates were maintained. “In fact, the benefits offered to families (during the SFF), such as free dining for children and tour offers, make staying with us for the festival an increasingly attractive proposition,” she said.

“We are also looking to host regular events at Xana (the new beach club within Angsana Laguna Phuket) and will debut a three-day Oktoberfest this year,” she added. “We want to make it as authentic as possible. We will be working with a German brewery and bringing in a real German band. We will also develop a special package for corporate groups.”

Beyond boosting visitor interest with a busy event calender, Laguna Phuket is mapping out hardware improvements that will appeal to the leisure segment. As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations last month, it unveiled a new design concept for an integrated development on a parcel of land overlooking one of its west-facing beachfront lagoons, between the Laguna Beach Resort and Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket. It will feature a hotel, luxury condominiums, a water park and space for up to 1,000 shops and restaurants. There are also plans to leverage on Latitude, the integrated resort’s standalone event marquee, to provide more activity space especially during wet weather.

This article was first published in TTG Asia, September 7, 2012 on page 19. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.

Okinawan MICE sellers fret over Senkaku Islands tussle

By Karen Yue

September 6, 2012

POLITICAL tensions between Japan and China over the ownership of Senkaku Islands in Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture have put some Okinawan MICE sellers at the edge of their seats, as China is one of the destination’s key tourism source markets due to direct air access and proximity.

Bankoku Shinryokan Okinawa, a resort-style convention centre where the 2000 Kyushu-Okinawa G8 Summit was held, regards China as a “big market”.

Yuko Shimozono, MICE coordinator of the venue, told TTGmice e-Weekly: “Most of our business from China are government meetings, with some involving officials from China, Japan and South Korea. While this (the Senkaku Island tussle) is unlikely to affect corporate meetings from China, we are starting to see some negative impact on government events from China. We suspect that Chinese government bodies that organise these meetings are thinking twice about coming to Japan.

While DMC Okinawa has not seen any cancellations or slow down in MICE bookings from China, Reiko Tokuda, a representative of the company, said “the situation is worrying”.

“Business from (Greater) China is still as usual for now, but you never know,” said Toshihide Ozaki, JTB Okinawa general manager-inbound.

“We were supposed to have a corporate group from Hong Kong on August 26, but the client cancelled it abruptly. No reason was given, and it could be due to (the escalation of events),” Ozaki said.

A wave of anti-Japanese protests over the Senkaku Islands dispute was held in various Chinese cities on August 19, and a Japanese ambassador was reportedly assaulted on August 27 in Beijing.

“I know we should diversify into other source markets (as a buffer against a potential dip in Chinese MICE business), but (Greater) China is such an important market because there are direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. We would love to strengthen our MICE business from South-east Asia, but the lack of direct air access is a stumbling block.”

Okinawa looks to offer more unique venues

By Karen Yue

September 6, 2012

THE MICE bureau of Okinawa, Japan has set in motion plans to grow the destination’s pool of unique venues for business events, following its success last year in getting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium to open its famous Kuroshio Sea gallery for private functions.

Speaking to TTGmice e-Weekly during the Okinawa MICE Project familiarisation tour and trade show earlier this week, Sen Tamaki, manager, overseas marketing section of Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB), said: “Shurijo Castle Park is next on our wish list.”

Shurijo Castle Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses the restored palace of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom and other key architecture. In 2000 it hosted a dinner reception in the courtyard in front of Seiden, the main castle building, for country leaders attending the Kyushu-Okinawa G8 Summit.

“Shurijo Castle Park has always been off-limits to private events but we (OCVB) are pushing for it to be open to private and business events. It would make such an impactful venue,” said Tamaki.

“I believe we are making good progress because later this month a reception for the delegates of a scientific convention will be held in the park. Although the reception will not be within the castle and will take place in one of the many open spaces in the park, we must recognise that it will be the first-ever private event to be held there,” he added.

Tamaki is also keen to add some of the facilities within the American military bases to Okinawa’s menu of unique venues. Some 20 per cent of the land is used by the American military.

He said: “These bases have huge venues such as sports halls and auditoriums. These spaces are perfect for MICE, and will allow us to court large-scale events. We have started talking to the authorities but I must admit this will not be easy to achieve. Security will be the biggest obstacle because a large-scale MICE event will have attendees from all over the world, and some may come from countries that have particularly sensitive political relations with the US.”

India, Middle East on Okinawa’s radar

By Karen Yue

September 6, 2012

THE OKINAWA Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB) has kicked off market research on India and the Middle East, in hopes of eventually grooming these into key MICE and leisure tourism sources.

Sen Tamaki, OCVB overseas marketing section manager, said: “India has a huge population, and its birth rate is very high – much more than that of China which has a birth control policy. In 10 to 20 years’ time, these children, many of whom will come from well-to-do families, will be educated adults. They will travel the world and we must draw them to Okinawa, whether for leisure or for business.”

He added: “The Middle East is a huge outbound tourism market now, although not yet for Okinawa. However, the prefecture government has instructed the tourism board to pay close attention to the Middle East, and we are in the midst of studying the needs of Middle Eastern travellers.”

Tamaki believes that Okinawa will have to pay particular attention to the diet of Indian and Middle Eastern travellers if the destination wants to succeed in these markets.

He said: “Our studies so far have shown that (familiar cuisine) is very important to these travellers. Muslim travellers, in particular, need Halal food, and unfortunately there are very few Halal restaurants in Okinawa. We’ve conveyed our findings to the tourism suppliers in Okinawa, and it is up to them make use of it to draw these potential source markets.”

KPG Hotels & Resort’s Kafuu Resort Fuchaku Condo-Hotel and Tokyo Dai-ichi Hotel Okinawa Grand Mer Resort, both in Okinawa, are among the few hotels that have started to offer Halal dining options.

Carl Bastian, a representative of the hotel chain’s international sales division, said: “We are able to tailor a Halal menu for corporate groups with Muslim delegates, and also allocate a function room to serve as a prayer room.

“Halal food is pricey in Okinawa because options are few and this is a speciality. We want to offer affordable Halal dining arrangements. In fact, our Halal dining options are priced a third of what other hotels or restaurants are charging.”

To demonstrate its Halal dining capability, the five-star Kafuu Resort Fuchaku Condo-Hotel hosted 13 buyers from Singapore and Malaysia during the recently concluded Okinawa MICE Project for lunch in a seaview function room, presenting a main course of grilled chicken and a buffet selection of Thai green curry, grilled local vegetables, salad, fruits and juice. Bastian said the arrangement cost “about JPY3,000 (US$38) per pax”.

The resort’s international marketing chief, Lina Takahashi, said: “There is a huge Muslim travel market, not just travellers from the Middle East, but few dare to venture to new destinations because of dietary limitations. Our kitchens may not be Halal-certified, but what we have done is to have our chefs trained in Halal cooking practices, and to obtain our food supplies from Halal-certified companies.”

MyCEB chief now leads AACVB

By TTG Asia

September 6, 2012

Zulkefli Hj Sharif, CEO of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), has been appointed president of the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB).

Zulkefli’s responsibility will include raising the platform, level of sophistication and capabilities of the business events industry in Asia, and to drive business to AACVB’s member destinations.

He succeeds Akapol Surasuchart, the former president of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

Hilton Chennai dishes out meeting promotions

By TTG Asia

September 6, 2012

THE 204-key Hilton Chennai, India has rolled out a meeting deal for US$50 (excluding taxes) per delegate.

The package includes use of a meeting room, a welcome breakfast or coffee service upon arrival, morning and afternoon coffee and tea service with snacks, and a customised lunch.

The offer is valid till December 31, and a minimum guarantee of 25 pax is required.

The hotel is conveniently located next to the Olympia Technology Park in Guindy, and approximately 15 minutes from the international and domestic airports. Besides a well-appointed business centre, the hotel offers extensive conference and banqueting facilities that can accommodate up to 750 guests in various event settings.

InterContinental Asiana Saigon celebrates anniversary with meeting deal

By TTG Asia

September 6, 2012

A RESIDENTIAL meeting package priced from US$149 per person per roomnight is being offered by InterContinental Asiana Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam as part of its third anniversary celebration.

The deal includes accommodation in a deluxe room, full-day or half-day meeting package at one of the hotel’s 11 meeting rooms, an hour of welcome cocktail with canapé at Purple Jade bar, complimentary Internet access in guestrooms and the meeting room, complimentary pressing service for one item a day, and one complimentary guestroom for every 20 paying guestrooms.

The meeting package is valid until 31 December, and is applicable for new bookings of at least 10 guestrooms. Other terms apply.

Qantas seals wide-ranging partnership with Emirates, ends British Airways tie-up

By TTG Asia

September 6, 2012

QANTAS inked a new global agreement with Emirates today, which will terminate its Singapore stopover on the long-established ‘Kangaroo Route’.

Besides codesharing, Qantas will be moving its base for European flights to Dubai as part of the 10-year deal, marking the beginning of a major restructuring of flights within the airline’s network.

Emirates and Qantas will also coordinate prices, sales and scheduling, and set up a benefit-sharing model. Their frequent flyer programmes will be aligned, allowing reciprocal access to tier-status benefits such as end-to-end customer recognition, lounge access, priority check-in among other benefits. Subject to regulatory approval, the two airlines will start their partnership in April 2013.

“With European services transiting through Dubai, Qantas’ Asian services will no longer be a subsidiary of the ‘Kangaroo Route’,” said Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce. Qantas will launch daily A380 services from Sydney and Melbourne to London via Dubai.

He explained that Qantas’ current Asian schedule was based on travel via Asia to Europe, but Australian business customers were demanding better access to Asia.

“We will increase dedicated capacity to Singapore and retime flights to Singapore and Hong Kong to enable more ‘same day’ connections across Asia. We believe this will significantly improve the economics of our Asian operations,” said Joyce.

The Australian airline will also stop servicing the Singapore-Frankfurt route, which it said has been “underperforming”.

On the other hand, Qantas has turned out former bedfellow British Airways (BA) and will axe their joint business. Established in 1995, both cooperated closely on all BA and Qantas flights between the UK and Australia. However, the airlines are still part of the oneworld alliance and will continue to work together through bilateral codeshares.