Skift Travel News Blog

Jetstar Asia, the low-cost carrier based in Singapore, has appointed John Simeone as its new CEO. Barathan Pasupathi, the outgoing CEO who led the airline for 12 years, will step down from his role on March 1 to “pursue other opportunities.”

Simeone, currently serving as the senior vice president for Asia at the parent company Qantas, brings over 30 years of aviation experience to his new role. Jetstar Asia Chairman Dennis Choo acknowledged Simeone’s extensive knowledge of the Singapore and Asian aviation markets.

Commenting on his appointment, Simeone stated, “My focus will be to continue the exciting journey we’ve started, building capacity and connectivity out of Changi Airport so we can keep offering great low fares to amazing destinations across the region.”

Last month, Jetstar Asia announced the launch of flights from Singapore to Wuxi in China’s Jiangsu province, establishing itself as the sole airline operating this route from Singapore.

Barathan Pasupathi had previously emphasized the significance of the Chinese market for Jetstar, with the airline also expanding its presence by introducing flights to Haikou early last year.

In addition to the focus on China, Jetstar Asia witnessed the reintroduction of popular destinations in Japan and responded to growing demand by increasing weekly flights to popular hubs such as Bangkok, Bali, and Phuket.

​​A new tool has been launched by Qantas to help small and medium sized Australian businesses manage their travel requirements.

The new service will allow users to streamline the travel management process – from booking flights and hotels to implementing travel policies – whilst providing real-time data and analytics to manage costs and prepare expense reports.

Developed based on feedback from existing members of the Qantas Business Rewards program, the new tool will be available as part of the program in addition to the existing benefits.

“We’ve been listening to our Qantas Business Rewards members who have told us that making it easier to manage their business travel will add more value to the program,” said Olivia Wirth, CEO of Qantas Loyalty in a release. 

“The investment we’re making in Qantas Business Rewards will provide Australian businesses with a one-stop platform to manage their business travel needs and make the most of their rewards.”

The new tool was successfully trialed in August, and has now been rolled out to all program members.

Qantas has unveiled the livery of its first QantasLink Airbus A220, which will be the sixth aircraft to feature in its Flying Art Series when it comes into service as part of the group’s domestic fleet renewal program.

The aircraft features the Aboriginal artwork of senior Pitjantjatjara artist, Maringka Baker, and tells the ‘dreaming story of two sisters who traverse remote Australia together, covering vast distances to find their way home,’ according to a release from the carrier.

Qantas has worked with Indigenous Australian design agency, Balarinji on the fuselage design for all of its aircrafts featured in the Flying Art Series, with this design featuring over 20,000 dots taking a team of 100 painters two weeks to complete.

The aircraft has also been given the name ‘Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa’ – which translates to ‘The Two Sisters Creation Story’ – that was inspired by the artwork.

The aircraft, which is currently at Airbus’ facility in Mirabel, Canada, is due to arrive in Australia before the end of 2023.

Qantas Airways first new CEO in 15 years is Vanessa Hudson, who will take over from Alan Joyce in November. Hudson will inherit an airline that has emerged strong from the pandemic. During the first six months of the Qantas 2023 fiscal year, the airline posted an A$1.5 billion ($1.1 billion) operating profit and a 16 percent operating margin, besting its results in 2019.

Hudson will also be the airline’s first female CEO. It will be the first time in Australian aviation history that the country’s two largest airlines, Qantas and Virgin Australia, are led by women.

Qantas has sold its remaining 12.4 percent shareholding in Australian travel agency Helloworld Travel Limited for $22 million.

The airline made the decision as it “sharpens its focus on post-Covid recovery,” and it had been reducing its stake over several years.

“We’ve announced some major investments this year as we focus on what is core to the group going forward, including fleet renewal, growing our network and a successful expansion into the e-commerce holiday booking space with TripADeal,” said Qantas Group chief financial officer said Vanessa Hudson.

The sell-off was confirmed in a statement to the stock exchange.

Qantas will continue to have a strong relationship with Helloworld as a trade partner, she added.

The national airline has held a stake in Helloworld since 2008, when it was spun off from a merger of Qantas Holidays and Jetset Travel.

Qantas also sold 14 hectares of industrial land near its Mascot headquarters in Sydney for $535 million in late 2021.

Corporate travel agency CTM bought Helloworld’s business travel division for $127 million at the end of last year.

Qantas Airways said on Sunday it sought to make amends with its most loyal customers for months of flight disruptions that some have called “airmaggeddon.”

The Australian flag carrier will offer $34 ($50 Australian) vouchers, extensions of loyalty status, and complimentary lounge passes to many frequent flyers as a way to make amends for several months of heavier-than-usual rates of flight delays, cancellations, and mishandled baggage, Reuters reported.

The company plans to send messages about the apology and benefits to its loyalty members on Monday.

The carrier also plans to take several steps to boost its performance for on-time flight arrivals and baggage delivery.

“On behalf of the national carrier, I want to apologize and assure you we are working hard to get back to our best,” said CEO Alan Joyce in the video.