| URGENT COMMUNICATION Update - Qantas Fleet Grounded UPDATE : 8.45pm, 29 October 2011 |
| With the grounding of the entire Qantas fleet, the Government has made an urgent application to Fair Work Australia under the "Fair Worker Act 424" for the termination of all industrial action instigated between the unions and Qantas on the basis that the fleet grounding will damage the Australian economy. Stranded passengers are urged to consult the attached documents issued by Qantas on the help available to them. Virgin Australia has responded to the Qantas decision, advising that it will put on extra staff and add additional flights to boost capacity and assist stranded passengers. Virgin Australia are also currently in talks with their international partners (such as Singapore Airlines, Etihad and Air New Zealand) in order to assist stranded international travellers. They have also announced special fares for passengers who have commenced their journey and are at a port away from home and hold a Qantas ticket. These fares will be valid for travel for the next 5 days. Goldman Travel will continue to monitor this situation and organise alternative travel arrangments for those affected. |
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Qantas letter to domestic and international travellers.
Qantas Grounds Entire Fleet - URGENT COMMUNICATION
| URGENT COMMUNICATION Qantas Grounds Entire Fleet Effectively Immediately UPDATE : 6pm, 29 October 2011 |
| Qantas has grounded its entire fleet (domestic and international) effective immediately until further notice, in response to the ongoing strike action by the unions - TWU, ALAEA and AIPA. Aircraft currently mid-flight will complete the sectors they are operating and will then be grounded. QantasLink, Jetstar, Jetconnect services and freight services (Atlas and Express Freighters) will continue to operate as normal. Virgin Australia has advised it will be adding additional services. Qantas will providing a full refund for any flights cancelled due to the industrial action and will be managing customer bookings on a day-by-day basis. Travellers can be kept up to date on the situation via its website, Facebook page and Twitter. Goldman Travel are currently in the process of contacting all affected travellers and making alternate arrangements. Your patience is appreciated as we prioritise the bookings of affected passengers. |
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Capacity boost for Virgin Australia domestic operations
Virgin Australia ceo John Borghetti has just confirmed the ongoing expansion of the carrier's domestic capacity "to meet market requirements and to minimise the impact of ongoing Qantas industrial action on the Australian travel and tourism industry".
He said that over the last three months DJ had already added more than 31000 seats per week, including the expansion of Perth services with the airline's new Business Class offering.
"We are very committed to this market and believe we have the capacity to support increased demand," with 3000 extra seats each week up to 30 Oct and the addition of a fifth daily return Melbourne-Perth flight effective 20 Dec.
Borghetti said the airline was also closely monitoring the Queensland market to ensure it could meet any additional capacity needs as the state's tourism industry rebuilds from the natural disasters earlier this year.
On the international front, "we are well advanced in discussions with alliance partners Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand on providing extra capacity from November, leading into the busy December and January holiday period," he said.
"We will continue to work with all of our alliance partners who are keen to help us support the Australian travelling public and ensure tourism is not affected, both domestically and internationally," Borghetti added, with the alliance network seeing Virgin Australia's global network capacity share in and out of Australia forecast to be around equal to that of oneworld in 2012.
Source:Travel Daily 19 Oct 11
He said that over the last three months DJ had already added more than 31000 seats per week, including the expansion of Perth services with the airline's new Business Class offering.
"We are very committed to this market and believe we have the capacity to support increased demand," with 3000 extra seats each week up to 30 Oct and the addition of a fifth daily return Melbourne-Perth flight effective 20 Dec.
Borghetti said the airline was also closely monitoring the Queensland market to ensure it could meet any additional capacity needs as the state's tourism industry rebuilds from the natural disasters earlier this year.
On the international front, "we are well advanced in discussions with alliance partners Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand on providing extra capacity from November, leading into the busy December and January holiday period," he said.
"We will continue to work with all of our alliance partners who are keen to help us support the Australian travelling public and ensure tourism is not affected, both domestically and internationally," Borghetti added, with the alliance network seeing Virgin Australia's global network capacity share in and out of Australia forecast to be around equal to that of oneworld in 2012.
Source:Travel Daily 19 Oct 11
Goldman Travel goes Pink for the day
Goldman Travel goes Pink for the day |
| Goldman Travel is proud to continue our association with the Cancer Council in support of Pink Ribbon Day. Many of us are touched by cancer and helping the Cancer Council is our way of joining with many in the community who contribute to this great day. Pink Ribbon Day is coming soon and we will be donating 50% of all service fees generated on the 19th October to help beat cancer. One in every nine Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85. Our donation - and yours - will help the Cancer Council fund prevention programs, support services and world-class breast cancer research. Every Pink dollar raised makes a real difference for those affected by breast cancer, so if you're thinking of travelling soon, make contact today. Goldman Travel Corporation is happy to support Pink Ribbon Day and if you'd like to contribute in some way, see the website for more details: http://www.mailoutguys.com/ukt/link.php?M=1179&N=369&L=1131&F=H Best regards, David Goldman General Manager & Director  (L-R) Fee Njoo, Chris Cheyne, Erin Amundsen, David Goldman |
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Ongoing Union Strike Action
This morning Qantas has been advised that the Transport Workers Union (TWU) plans to take further industrial action on Thursday 13 October. The strike action will be in the form of 2 periods of 2-hour work stoppages across all major cities.
Qantas is doing all it can to minimise the impact of the industrial action; combining flights, using larger aircraft and deploying management staff into operational roles.
Schedule/flight changes are being published as soon as possible on the Qantas website to provide travellers with as much notice as possible. Please refer to the website for the latest developments.
Alternatively, contact Goldman Travel for more information.
City | Period 1 commences | Period 2 commences |
Adelaide | 0500 | 1600 |
Sydney | 0600 | 1600 |
Melbourne | 0700 | 1600 |
Brisbane | 0800 | 1700 |
Hobart | 0900 | 1500 |
Townsville | 1030 | 1800 |
Darwin | 1100 | 1300 |
Perth | 1130 | 1330 |
Cairns | 1200 | 1600 |
Canberra | 1600 | 1800 |
Other cities | 1100 | 1300 |
Qantas is doing all it can to minimise the impact of the industrial action; combining flights, using larger aircraft and deploying management staff into operational roles.
Schedule/flight changes are being published as soon as possible on the Qantas website to provide travellers with as much notice as possible. Please refer to the website for the latest developments.
Alternatively, contact Goldman Travel for more information.
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Union strike Action on Friday
URGENT COMMUNICATIONMore Union Strike Action on FridayUPDATE : 5pm, 6 October 2011 |
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) will again be striking for 2 hours tomorrow afternoon, Friday 7 October between the hours of 4pm-6pm. At present, 17 services will be cancelled and a further 29 will be delayed by up to an hour. The Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA) will also be undertaking industrial action in Melbourne between 6pm-7pm. The ALAEA has also notified Qantas that its members in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will walk off the job for 4 hours on Monday 10 October. Qantas will make every effort to advise affected travellers of the disruption to flights. Affected travellers are advised to refer to the Qantas website for the latest information. Alternatively, contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consultant for more information. |
Goldman Travel launches new mobile technology to make corporate travel easier !
| As a result of our continuing quest to provide clients with the latest in travel technology, Goldman Travel Corporation is proud to announce two new services, powered by technology specialists conTgo. We call it Gold Connect and Gold Locate. The goal is to make life easier, travel more controllable and emergencies (such as volcanoes, industrial stoppages) much more efficient to handle, and less worrisome for travellers. Amazing technology Gold Locate is a system that will locate and communicate with travellers wherever they are. Should a crisis arise, the company and Goldman Travel Corporation can provide immediate assistance via SMS. Manage travellers with ease Gold Connect will help companies manage their travel budget better. Travelling staff can be updated with itinerary changes on the go, non-complying travel choices flagged, assistance provided and administration tasks automated and reduced. There are some great benefits!
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Monday, 26 September 2011
More union strike action
URGENT COMMUNICATIONMore Union Strike Action on FridayUPDATE : 10.30am, 27 September 2011 |
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Australian Licenced Engineers Association (ALAEA) will again be taking strike action against Qantas on Friday 30 September. The TWU will strike for 1 hour this Friday. The ALAEA wil strike for 1 hour on Friday in Melbourne. Qantas are currently assessing the impact of this strike action and implementing contingency measures on what is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year. The strike action is expected to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of people including football fans travelling to Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final, Rugby League fans travelling to Sydney for the NRL Grand Final and families travelling interstate for the school holidays. Affected travellers are advised to refer to the Qantas website for the latest information. Alternatively, contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consultant for more information. |
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Delays expected due to strike on 27 September.
URGENT COMMUNICATIONDelays expected due to Strike Action by Quarantine and Customs staffUPDATE : 12.30pm, 26 September 2011 |
International travellers are warned to expect delays due to the commencement of strike action by customs and quaratine staff. Customs officers from up to 50 locations will strike for 2 hours tomorrow from 7am. Quarantine inspection staff at international airports will hold stop-work meetings. Disruptions are expected to affect both arriving and departing passengers at international airports and will occur as follows: Sydney International Airport Tuesday 27 SeptemberDelays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 6am – 9am 7pm – 8pm Thursday 29 SeptemberDelays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 6am – 9am 7pm – 8pm Saturday 1 OctoberDelays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 6am – 9am 7pm – 8pm Melbourne International Airport Tuesday 27 September Delays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 7am -8am 3pm – 4pm 9pm – 10pm Brisbane International Airport Tuesday 27 September Delays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 7am - 8am 7.30pm – 8.30pm Perth International Airport Tuesday 27 September Delays are to be expected throughout the day. Stoppages will be in place from: 1.30pm - 3.30pm 11pm – 1am Wednesday 28 September Affected travellers are advised to refer to Australian Customs for the latest information. Alternatively, contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consultant. |
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Security Breach causes flight delays
URGENT COMMUNICATIONSecurity breach causes flight delaysUPDATE : 1pm, 19 September 2011 |
Flights from Sydney Airport's Qantas domestic terminal have been delayed for up to 2 hours due to a security breach. Passengers have reported that planes have been grounded and the terminal closed. All passengers are being re-screened after 2 people walked into a security area without being properly screened For further information, please contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consutant. |
Update on Qantas Union Strike Action
URGENT COMMUNICATIONUpdate on Union Strike ActionUPDATE : 11.30am, 19 September 2011 |
Qantas has advised that its contingency plan for tomorrow's union strike action will include using larger aircraft on some routes, consolidate services on others and management staff will act in operational roles to minimise the disruption to customers. At present the schedule is showing 28 flights have been cancelled and a further 27 services will be delayed by up to 35 minutes. The commercial policy options listed below are available to Qantas customers holding a valid Qantas (081) ticket issued on/before 20 September 2011 who are directly affected by schedule activity (ie cancelled and retimed flights resultings from TWU industrial action) for travel 20 September 2011. Without a fee imposed, passengers will be able to
For the full list of conditions and for the lastest information, please refer to the Qantas website. Alternatively, contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consultant for more information. |
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Union strike Action to affect Qantas next week
URGENT COMMUNICATIONUnion Strike Action to affect QantasUPDATE : 2pm, 15 September 2011 |
Travellers on Qantas flights next Tuesday 20th September are being warned to expect disruptions after the Transport Workers Union notified the airline of a planned 4 hour strike. Staff involved include baggage handlers, ground staff, catering, freight and other transport roles. The strike action will occur on the same day as planned industrial action by the pilot's union and the licensed aircraft maintenance engineers' union. Further work bans may afffect flights for a 48-hour period and Qantas is currently developing contingency plans. Affected travellers are advised to refer to http://www.mailoutguys.com/ukt/link.php?M=1179&N=354&L=1114&F=H for the latest information. Alternatively, contact your dedicated Goldman Travel consultant for more information. |
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Changes to Qantas Trans-Tasman Economy class Fare Structure
Qantas has advised effective for sale from 31 August 2011, a new Trans Tasman economy class fare structure will apply.
Major changes include the removal of Saver fare types and an increase in amendment fees for Red e-Deal fares.
The new fare structure will continue to provide customers with a checked baggage allowance, seat selection, meals and refreshments.
Click here for a summary of the Tasman fare structure.
For more information, please contact your Goldman Travel consultant
Major changes include the removal of Saver fare types and an increase in amendment fees for Red e-Deal fares.
The new fare structure will continue to provide customers with a checked baggage allowance, seat selection, meals and refreshments.
Click here for a summary of the Tasman fare structure.
For more information, please contact your Goldman Travel consultant
Monday, 15 August 2011
Qantas international restructure
Alan Joyce launches new Qantas international strategy
Qantas has just announced the first phase of a major makeover for its loss-making international business.
Major initiatives include a restructure of some routes, new premium lounges in key ports, the deferral of six A380 deliveries, the launch of a low-cost offshoot in Japan, a massive order for up to 110 Airbus A320 aircraft, and the creation of a "new premium airline based in Asia".
'Gateway' strategy
QF's current flights to Buenos Aires will be replaced by a new direct service to Santiago, Chile, which will replace Buenos Aires as "the best entry point to South America for Australians".
The current Joint Services Agreement with British Airways will be restructured to strengthen Singapore services, including daily A380 flights from Melbourne and Sydney to London via Singapore.
The carrier will also continue to develop its joint business agreement with American Airlines based on its new Dallas/Fort Worth flights, and will "explore opportunities to work with oneworld member-elect Malaysia Airlines".
Product enhancements
Qantas will develop new premium lounges in Singapore, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, while the carrier will continue to introduce next-generation 737-800 services on trans-Tasman services along with the launch of its Q Tag check-in technology for flights between Australia and NZ.
12 A380s will be in service by the end of the year, while the first of nine reconfigured 747s with A380-style product will commence flying withing the next three months.
The delivery of QF's final six A380s has been deferred by up to six years, while four 747s will be retired.
The network changes and retirements are expected to affect up to 1000 jobs.
Asia expansionCEO Alan Joyce confirmed that the Qantas Group "will invest in a new premium airline based in Asia, building on Qantas expertise but with a new name, new aircraft and a new look and feel." The location for the new carrier is still to be finalised, he said.
He also announced the launch of Jetstar Japan, a new low-cost carrier to begin domestic operations by the end of 2012 and international services within a year, in partnership with Japan Airlines and Mitsubishi.
Qantas will acquire up to 110 Airbus A320 aircraft to support capacity growth and expansion into new markets, including aircraft for Jetstar Japan and the new premium Asia-based airline.
Joyce said the initiatives announced today "represent phase one of the new strategy" with further details to be announced in due course.
Qantas has just announced the first phase of a major makeover for its loss-making international business.
Major initiatives include a restructure of some routes, new premium lounges in key ports, the deferral of six A380 deliveries, the launch of a low-cost offshoot in Japan, a massive order for up to 110 Airbus A320 aircraft, and the creation of a "new premium airline based in Asia".
'Gateway' strategy
QF's current flights to Buenos Aires will be replaced by a new direct service to Santiago, Chile, which will replace Buenos Aires as "the best entry point to South America for Australians".
The current Joint Services Agreement with British Airways will be restructured to strengthen Singapore services, including daily A380 flights from Melbourne and Sydney to London via Singapore.
The carrier will also continue to develop its joint business agreement with American Airlines based on its new Dallas/Fort Worth flights, and will "explore opportunities to work with oneworld member-elect Malaysia Airlines".
Product enhancements
Qantas will develop new premium lounges in Singapore, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, while the carrier will continue to introduce next-generation 737-800 services on trans-Tasman services along with the launch of its Q Tag check-in technology for flights between Australia and NZ.
12 A380s will be in service by the end of the year, while the first of nine reconfigured 747s with A380-style product will commence flying withing the next three months.
The delivery of QF's final six A380s has been deferred by up to six years, while four 747s will be retired.
The network changes and retirements are expected to affect up to 1000 jobs.
Asia expansionCEO Alan Joyce confirmed that the Qantas Group "will invest in a new premium airline based in Asia, building on Qantas expertise but with a new name, new aircraft and a new look and feel." The location for the new carrier is still to be finalised, he said.
He also announced the launch of Jetstar Japan, a new low-cost carrier to begin domestic operations by the end of 2012 and international services within a year, in partnership with Japan Airlines and Mitsubishi.
Qantas will acquire up to 110 Airbus A320 aircraft to support capacity growth and expansion into new markets, including aircraft for Jetstar Japan and the new premium Asia-based airline.
Joyce said the initiatives announced today "represent phase one of the new strategy" with further details to be announced in due course.
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Qantas Business Class Companion Sale
URGENT COMMUNICATIONQantas Business Class Companion SaleUPDATE : 10am, 15 August 2011 | ||||||||||||
Until 11.59pm 17th August , Qantas is offering great companion sale fares in Business class to selected destinations on their global network.
Prices are per person including taxes. Minimum 2 passengers travelling together. More destinations are available. For more information, please contact sales@goldmantravel.com.au or your Goldman Travel consultant. * Conditions apply: - Departures between 1 November 2011 and 30 April 2012 depending on destination. - Tickets must be issued and paid for in full on or before 17 August 2011. - Fare advertised on a return basis ex Sydney or Perth as specified including taxes. Airline credit card surcharge of AUD 30.00 per person applies in addition to quoted fares. - Fares are correct as at 13 August 2011 and are subject to fluctuations due to changes in fees, taxes or currency exchange rates. - Minimum of two passengers booking and travelling together at all times. - Fares subject to availability at time of booking. - Fares and conditions subject to change by the airlines |
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Travel Advice for UK
URGENT COMMUNICATIONTravel Advice for LondonUPDATE : 1.40pm, 10 August 2011 |
Due to the riots currently being experienced in London and surrounding cities, the Foreign Affairs Department has reviewed and reissued its travel advice. Australian travellers are advised to excercise a high degree of caution and monitor developments that may affect your safety. We urge travellers to refer to the Australian Smart Traveller website for the latest travel advice. For any further assistance, please contact your Goldman Travel consultant. |
Thursday, 30 June 2011
URGENT COMMUNICATIONUnion Action to affect Qantas flights4 July, 5 July & 6 JulyUPDATE : 11.00, 1 July 2011 |
Regrettably we bring news of more disruptions to travellers within Australia. The planned Union Action will not leave passengers totally stranded, however travellers may wish to ensure appointment schedules allow for the possibility of delays. Qantas will be the subject of union action by the Australian Licenced Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA) next week. The following cities will be affected: · Melbourne on Monday 4 July · Perth on Tuesday 5 July · Brisbane on Wednesday 6 July Until then, all services will operate as normal. On Monday 4 July, Qantas will be putting on bigger aircraft and have extra employees at airports in Melbourne to minimise the disruption. This will ensure the vast majority of customers remain on their scheduled services and others are moved onto flights within 15 minutes of their original departure time. Qantas are also currently assessing contingency plans for Tuesday 5 July and in Brisbane on Wednesday 6 July. Qantas will do everything to protect customers from any inconvenience that may be caused by the unions. Some flight changes are likely to be required. In the event of cancelled flights, Qantas will contact all customers to discuss suitable alternatives. It is essential Goldman Travel has your mobile phone number to pass to the airline. Qantas recommends travellers to refer to their Flight Status page for the latest information on specific flights. |
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