Christchurch get the X factor

Christchurch has got their new International connection with Air Asia X signing off on a CHC-KUL connection.

This connection was previously mentioned on this blog in the previous post new international entrants to tans-tasman CHC market?

Low-cost carrier Air Asia X has finalised a deal to bring direct long-haul flights from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch, New Zealand.

A team including Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) CEO Jim Boult, CIAL General Manager Marketing and Business Development Gareth Owen, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and Mayoress Joanna Nicholls-Parker, CEO of Tourism New Zealand Kevin Bowler and the New Zealand High Commissioner for Malaysia David Kersey met with the owner of Air Asia X Tony Fernandes and his executive team to sign a deal that will bring the airline to Christchurch.

Flights are expected to begin in March and be 4x weekly direct KUL-CHC return, with a possibility of flights going daily within 2 years.

Read more about the signing from The Moodie Report HERE or the Christchurch Press HERE

Air New Zealand release 777-300 safety video

Air New Zealand have released the new safety video for use on their shortly to be delivered Boeing 777-319ERs.  It of course features "mascot" Rico, and I find this to be the least offensive video Rico has starred in.

As with most things there has been a mixed reaction so far from critics and armchair pundits alike, with both positive and negative responses.  Some of the negative responses focus on the video being "unprofessional" and reflecting badly on how NZ rate safety - ie a big joke.  Positive responses are similar to mine, in this being the least offensive of the Rico series of videos.

I will let you decided for yourselves what you think, the video is below

BHE/NZWB wins award

For readers who are new to this blog, it began a few years ago as Marlborough Aviation Scene, recording notable movements and aircraft in Marlborough, at both Woodbourne BHE/NZWB and Omaka NZOM.

It is with great pride that I hark back to the blogs roots for a post to congratulate BHE on being named
New Zealand Airports Regional Airport of the Year 2010.

Read the Marlborough Express story HERE

Check out a few of the local Aviation happenings in Blenheim

Blenheim Airport
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Classic Fighters Omaka
Marlborough Aero Club
Classic Aircraft Photography
Classic Aircraft Photography Blog

Business Day opinion piece NZ/DJ link-up

Stuff.co.nz Business Day writer Peter Kerr, has written an opinion piece on the ACCC's decision on the NZ/DJ tie-up, based on the comments/opinions of NZ Aviation News editor, Peter Clark.

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission risks showing its protectionist tendencies if it rejects Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue's rejigged trans-Tasman code sharing proposal, says a top aviation industry commentator.

There is also an interesting comment about Wellington International Airport and the possible results of the protests they are making to the ACCC.

Read the full story HERE

Fyfe wins CAPA award

Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe has won an award at the CAPA awards, held recently.

Air New Zealand's chief executive Rob Fyfe was named chief executive of the year at the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) awards in Singapore last night.

This is another boost for Fyfe who is widely regarded as a great and innovative leader, who is well regarded for his work at Air New Zealand.

The full NZ Herald article can be read HERE

DL/DJ JV catch up

After a hectic last few days its time to catch up with the latest news in the Virgin Blue alliance saga, this time more news on the Virgin/Delta Airlines tie up.

The Australian government has made a public call for the US DOT to approve the alliance deal between Virgin and Delta Airlines.

THE federal government has taken the unusual step of intervening to lobby on behalf of Virgin Blue, seeking to overturn a US regulator's initial rejection of an alliance with Delta Air Lines.

Read the following stories on the subject
Sydney Morning Herald Sat 16th Oct Canberra backs Virgin plea by Matt O'Sullivan
The Australian Sat 16th Oct Regulators battle over anti-trust immunity by Steve Creedy

ACCC agree to pre-decision conference

The ACCC have agreed to a request by WIAL to hold a pre-decision conference to discuss the proposed tran-tasman tie up of Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand.

The competition watchdog has agreed to a request by an opponent of Virgin Blue's new alliance for a pre-decision conference on the deal.
Wellington International Airport Ltd, which has expressed fears the agreement will result in higher fares, is backing the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission's draft determination to deny the tie-up between Virgin and Air New Zealand.

Its should also be noted that the opposition to the tie up is mainly coming from New Zealand airports, and groups while those in Australia seem to be supportive of the deal.

Read the full article by Steve Creedy from The Austalian HERE

Is "Rico" genius or failure?

Air New Zealand's latest marketing ploy 'Rico' the furry frequent flyer, being used to advertise the features of NZ's new 777-300s (being delivered shortly) seems to have hit mixed responses.

I seem to be seeing positive responses from people in the northern hemisphere - UK & USA, but the reaction from people here in the southern hemisphere, NZ & AU seems to be uniformly negative.

Most people down here seem to find 'Rico' crass and unfunny, and he has even been compared to Paul Henry and come out worse off!

I'll let you make up your own mind on this one

Check out the full range of 'Rico' videos HERE (new ones to be added 20/10/10)

SYD CBR support NZ/DJ Bid

Matt O'Sullivan from the Sydney Morning Herald reports on the call from Sydney and Canberra airports for the ACCC to reverse their initial preliminary objection to the Air New Zealand/Virgin Blue tie up, and instead give the bid the go ahead.

SYDNEY and Canberra airports have urged the competition regulator to overturn its initial opposition to a planned alliance between Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand on flights between Australia and New Zealand.

But New Zealand airports are remaining steadfast in their calls for the regulator to block the deal because of fears it will reduce competition on the trans-Tasman route.

Read the full article HERE