Author: Matt Graham
Qantas Retires Oldest Boeing 747
Qantas has retired its oldest Boeing 747 and the only remaining jumbo jet not to have been upgraded with a modern interior. VH-OEB, named Philip Island, operated its last commercial flight last Sunday as QF73 from Sydney to San Francisco. This aircraft, which is also the oldest in the entire Qantas fleet, will turn 27 … Continued
Qantas, American Airlines Joint Venture Approved
The US government has tentatively approved a joint venture between Qantas and American Airlines on trans-Pacific flights. The Oneworld partners will now be able to work much more closely on flights between Australia, New Zealand and the United States, bringing additional benefits for frequent flyers and opening the possibility of new Qantas routes to North … Continued
Qantas Platinum Priority Seat Purchase
One of the little-known benefits of Qantas Platinum and Platinum One status is the “Priority Economy seat purchase” perk. This benefit allows Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers to purchase up to two Economy seats on any Qantas flight until midday on the day prior to travel – even if the flight is sold out. … Continued
New Machu Picchu Airport Under Construction
Work has begun on a brand new, $900 million-dollar international airport near Machu Picchu in Peru’s Sacred Valley. The new Chinchero International Airport is designed to make it easier for overseas tourists visiting Machu Picchu. But there are serious concerns that the airport could cause disastrous unintended consequences. Chinchero Airport will be built in the … Continued
Podcast #12: Cheap Virgin Australia Business Class
Find out how to get cut-price Virgin Australia Business Class tickets by buying and redeeming Etihad Guest miles! This works particularly well on Australian domestic and some international routes, such as to Queenstown in New Zealand or Port Vila, Vanuatu. Episode 12 of the AFF on AIR podcast also includes some listener Q&A and an … Continued
Cheap Virgin Australia Business Class – AIR012
Find out how to get cut-price Virgin Australia Business Class tickets by buying and redeeming Etihad Guest miles! This episode also includes some listener Q&A and an interview with Lance Chow, an award travel consultant at Frequent Flyer Solutions. Episode contents: 0:59 – Fortnightly news round-up 8:15 – Buying Etihad Guest miles for … Continued
Avianca Brazil Grounded, All Flights Cancelled
All flights on bankrupt airline Avianca Brazil have been suspended indefinitely after Brazilian regulators grounded the airline. The Brazilian carrier, which is a member of Star Alliance, already cancelled thousands of flights last month after most of its aircraft were repossessed. For clarity, Avianca Brazil is a different company to Avianca (which is based in … Continued
AFF Member on Diverted Cathay Pacific Flight
Passengers on a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne last Friday were given $30 worth of meal vouchers after their flight was diverted to Darwin, resulting in a 14-hour delay. AFF member pn1 was on the diverted Cathay Pacific flight CX105, which departed Hong Kong just after midnight on 25 May. The Airbus A350 … Continued
Expanded Qantas, Cathay Pacific Codeshares Blocked
Australian regulators have tentatively rejected Qantas’ application for an expanded codeshare agreement with Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific. Back in January, Qantas applied for permission from Australia’s International Air Services Commission (IASC) to place its “QF” code on five Cathay Pacific services between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hong Kong. Similarly, Cathay Pacific would codeshare on five … Continued