Another Icelandic volcano could disrupt airspace

Planning on heading out to Australia over the next ten days? If so, keep a keen eye on the weather because Iceland’s most active volcano; Grimsvotn, which began erupting almost two days ago is threatening to ground much of Western Europe.

Despite Grimsvotn being smaller than Eyjafjoell which erupted last April and caused weeks of flight chaos, the force of the eruption has taken many by surprise. The volcano spewed ash 20km into the air in its most powerful eruption in a decade, turning the regions sky black and has already started to drop ash on the capital Reykjavik 400km away.

Yesterday Iceland’s airport authority Isavia, announced that the capital’s main airport is closed. The closure of airspace “affects pretty much all of Iceland right now … Flights to and from Iceland are shutting down,” Isavia spokeswoman Hjordis Gudmundsdottir said.

The good news is that the south easterly wind which caused Europe to be grounded last year is not blowing, instead the cloud, for now, is being taken north. The ash is also much coarser than last year, meaning that instead of floating for hundreds of miles it is falling much faster.

There is not expected to be any impact on European airspace outside of Iceland for the next 24 hours however wind can change direction and anyone with flights planned out of the UK in the next few days should keep a close eye on the developments.

Qantas is beset with engine problems

A Qantas flight heading from Bangkok to London had to turn back shortly after take-off due to what a Qantas spokesman called “an issue with the engine”.

“Shortly after take-off there was an increase in vibration and high temperatures from one of the four engines, so the pilots shut down this engine and as a precaution returned to Bangkok,” the spokesman said.

“The aircraft can safely fly on three engines and it had a normal landing in Bangkok not long afterwards.”

The Boeing 747 QF1 flight, carrying 308 passengers landed safely with no injuries however it is only one in a long history of engine problems suffered by Qantas.

In January 2008 Qantas flight QF2 from London to Bangkok lost power in all four engines 15 minutes away from the airport causing an investigation by the carrier and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Qantas has suffered numerous other engine problems including an incident in January when a Boeing 747 fell 8000m.

The mid flight engine explosion on an A380 in November caused another investigation which found the engine manufacturer Rolls Royce to be at fault.

Despite the bad fortune that Qantas has suffered it still remains Australia’s national carrier and is making efforts to keep its majority share of the Australian market.

aircraft will soon have fewer cabin crew

Current regulations say that an aircraft must have a 1-to-36 crew to passenger ratio however the Civil Aviation Authority is considering a 1-to-50 ratio for aircraft carrying between 20 and 216 passengers, a formula that many other nations enforce.  

Despite the precedent for such a ratio, Beverley Maunsell, a former Qantas safety investigator says that it will compromise passenger safety in the event of a crash.

“It’s not going to increase the probability of there being an accident, but it’s going to increase the possibility that people won’t survive,” Ms Maunsell said.

“If you reduce cabin crew you reduce your chances, and I’m concerned the Australian people don’t know what’s happening.”

Ms Maunsell said that the CASA is “misguided” in its actions, that the proposal is an attempt at cost cutting.

The proposition was first put to the CASA by Virgin Australia however the airline’s government relations executive Jane McKeon denied that it was about money.

“The proposition that we have put cost considerations before safety considerations … is simply not the case,” she said.

Qantas head of government relations Robert Wood said that the current ratio which has been in effect since 1960 is outdated due to significant improvements in airline safety. While the proposal is not about cost cutting, it is evidently true that Australia’s airlines cannot compete.

“The 1-to-50 is not a benchmark in the United States, it’s a global benchmark with the exception of Canada, which is currently reviewing their ratio, and Australia,” he said.

Australia is the world's number one tourist destination

Despite the soaring dollar and a global recession Australia is the world’s top tourist destination, says a survey revealed at an Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) conference on backpacker and youth industry.

The survey consisted of nearly 1000 backpackers and was undertaken by ATEC and Tourism Australia

“Australia remains a highly desirable place for the backpacker market, it’s a dream destination for those looking for excitement and adventure.”

“What we have to ensure is that, as a destination, we continually strive to provide competitive products and experiences with high quality service standards that will keep us ahead of the competition.” Said ATEC’s Managing Director, Felicia Mariani at the conference at Airlie Beach.

The survey showed that while Australia is the number one destination, New Zealand is better at meeting visitor expectations. “Australia clearly tops the ‘to-do’ list for backpackers and our research showed many of these visitors are willing to return here, but we need to continue to improve our product offering.”

She said that Australia can compete despite the current disadvantage of a poor exchange rate.

“One of the primary defence lines the backpacker sector has against the high Australian dollar is the Working Holiday Visa, which can really make the difference in a visitor’s decision to come here and how long they stay.”

Qantas frequent flyers will soon be able to reap the rewards of the new scheme

Qantas has announced a new revamped frequent flyer program in order to keep more people loyal and flying with the national carrier.  

A new and exclusive Platinum One tier will be created in conjunction with telco Optus and passengers flying with Jetstar will now be able to earn Qantas frequent flyer point for a small fee.

Qantas passengers will also be increasing the number of points gold and silver members can earn.

The new frequent flyer structure has been designed to entice and keep frequent flyers with the airline and the top tier will come into effect in the fourth quarter of 2011.

“They fly so much that once they get to Platinum we want them to keep on flying so they get to Platinum One,” Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said.

Mr Joyce said that he was not worried by Virgin Australia’s tactics and that he is confident about keeping passengers with Qantas.

“We don’t have to cling on to the business market,” he said, “The business market is very happy to stay with Qantas.”

As part of the new partnership Qantas frequent flyers will be able to earn points which can be put toward Optus products.

“For us it is really about acquiring more new business and about holding on to customers,” Optus managing director Mike Smith said.

Simon Hickey, Qantas frequent flyer chief executive said that the program is expecting to hit 8 million members by the end of this June while Virgin Australia’s similar program has around 1.5 million members.

Qantas will have to increase ticket prices for flights in and out of Europe

From next January Qantas will be increasing its international airfares to Europe yet again after being penalised by the European Union over Australia’s failure to implement a carbon tax.  

The decision comes following changes to the EU’s emissions trading scheme which means that Qantas will have to pay tax on 15 percent of the carbon emissions from either Bangkok or Singapore, its nearest port of call to EU territories. Qantas said that it is still calculating the impact on ticket prices.

US Airlines is also in the firing line and is expected to challenge the ruling in the World Trade Organisation.

The tax will give the government’s plan to introduce a carbon pricing scheme new legs and a certain level of urgency as without such a scheme Australian business will undoubtedly suffer on the international level in the form of potentially widespread taxes placed on products from countries not operating a carbon tax.

Despite the clear and immediate need for a carbon tax or equivalent scheme, opposition leader Tony Abbott has campaigned against it, citing the government’s pre-election promise not to impose a carbon tax; showing opposition for opposition’s sake.

Business leaders warned the government that in order to get backing for the scheme they needed to see environmental benefits in real terms and that their ability to compete internationally must not be compromised.   

Carbon tax details are expected to be released in the next few months.

It’s about as far as you can get from the well-trodden East Coast resorts… And it’s one of the most beautiful areas of Australia.

The South-West corner of the continent is a world of pristine beaches, lush forests and unspoilt coastal wilderness – as well as boasting fine food and local wine. It’s here you can really get away from the madding crowds and enjoy space, nature and the finest things Australia has to offer.

But don’t spend the whole trip resting on your laurels either. If there’s one thing Australia excels at it’s adventure, whether your idea of adventure is four-wheel driving, rainforest yoga or sailing azure waters. The fresh air and sunshine beckons, so make the most of it.

There’s a new holiday option on the menu, focussing on this gorgeous part of the country, thanks to Karma Kiah, a new luxury holiday specialist.

A Karma Kiah holiday whisks you away to Cape Lodge, a boutique hotel set in its own vineyard in the gastronomer’s paradise of Margaret River. Its restaurant was voted among the top 10 in the world for quality of food – but if you can tear yourself away from the table, it’s also the starting point for a startling array of adventures.

Karma Kiah take all the hard work out of organising your activities, you needn’t lift a finger. The holiday offers not only expert guided walks though the breathtaking natural ecosystems, but a whole host of unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences including whale watching, scuba diving, meditation, yoga, art classes, massages, winery tours and Aboriginal cultural experiences. Oh, and plenty more.

It’s amazing what you can fit into a seven-day break and still have ample time to sit and admire the scenery. No more than 10 guests are allowed to stay during any one week… so you can get to know your fellow travellers while having plenty of me-time. All you have to do is turn up and it’s all laid on.

Local experts will indulge your senses, unlock your creativity and help you to discover talents you never knew you had. Adventure, nature, gastronomy and personal enrichment combine to send you home not only relaxed and refreshed, but fulfilled and focussed. In today’s stressful climate, who couldn’t do with that?

A seven-day experience costs A$6995 (approx £4,620) including accommodation, food, drink, local transport and all activities.

“Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you.” – Mahatma Ghandi

The world is on alert following the death of Osama bin-Laden

Following the death of Osama bin Laden, Australians have been warned to limit travel overseas as the west fears retaliation from al-Qaeda.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has issued an alert advising people to avoid mass gatherings that may be targeted. Particularly at risk is Indonesia where a plot to blow up a church was recently discovered however much of the world is at risk as terror attacks are random.

Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble has said that it is “on full alert for acts of retaliation should al-Qaeda try to prove they still exist” and working with all national police forces in all of its 188 member states to prepare for all eventualities.

Abu Bakar Bashir, the man suspected of being responsible for the 2002 Bali bombings has said that the death of Osama bin Laden does not mean the death of al-Qaeda. He spoke out following his arrest in Pakistan.

“When it’s true, then it will not put al-Qaeda to death. Osama’s death will not make al-Qaeda dead.” He said while waiting for the outcome of his latest terrorism trial.

Australian Attorney-General Robert McClelland said that the national threat level has been held at medium.

“This is a very significant development for global counter-terrorism efforts.” He said that Australian security forces are remaining vigilant against attack.

British Entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson will be flying out to Australia next week to announce a makeover for the Virgin Blue Group.  

Branson and Virgin Blue CEO John Borghetti will unveil the “new face” of the group which is expected to include the new name which has been confirmed as Virgin Australia at Sydney airport on Wednesday.

Virgin currently operates four brands; Virgin Blue, V Australia, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue.

Branson, who has always endeavoured to be a market leader in all the industries he competes in, is planning on challenging Qantas for Australian airspace supremacy by operating several new routes to European cities.

As well as operating new routes the airline will be launching a new domestic business class.

It is another blow for Qantas which has traditionally been Australia’s number one airline as it faces rising fuel costs and stiff competition from a number of budget airlines.

Strategic Airlines, a newcomer to the industry is also planning an aggressive expansion program to offer flights to Asia, Europe and the US.  

A faulty luggage belt caused thousands of passengers to leave without their luggage

The Easter break was always going to be a busy time for the Australian airline industry but this year’s break kicked off in style with Federal Police removing two passengers from a Virgin Blue flight because the aircraft was too heavy.

Due to bad weather en-route to Bali and a subsequent need for extra fuel the pilot was forced to ask for two volunteers to vacate the plane and when no one elected themselves, staff were forced try and to remove the last two passengers to board.  

Virgin Blue spokeswoman Melissa Thomson said that the incident was “totally regrettable.”

The trouble was not reserved for Virgin Blue passengers however; a broken baggage belt caused 18 Jetstar flights and 17 domestic and international Qantas flights to leave without passengers’ baggage, most of which had been checked in at extra cost since fuel prices began their rise last year.

Qantas spokesman Luke Enright said “almost all” baggage had been sent on later flights but affected passengers are fuming after what airport staff have described as a “horrendous” weekend.

The incidents will no doubt lead to compensation claims and damage the much needed profit boost which the busy Easter period should bring.