Security Breach causes flight delays

URGENT COMMUNICATION     Security breach causes flight delays                     UPDATE : 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 COMMUNICATION     Update on Union Strike Action                     UPDATE : 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 Rebook to alternative Qantas flights (including QF codeshare flights operated by BA) Re-route travel via the most direct route using Qantas Re-route travel to return to the origin port via the most direct routing using Qantas Change destinations. The value of the existing ticket can be used towards the purchase of a new ticket. If the new fare is more expensive than the existing ticketed fare, the fare difference is payable by the passenger. (Applicable taxes may apply) Retain the value of the new ticket in credit for future travel within 12 months from the original ticketed date of departure. If the new fare is more expensive than the existing ticketed fare, the fare difference is payable by the passenger. (Applicable taxes may apply). 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.

Union strike Action to affect Qantas next week

URGENT COMMUNICATION      Union Strike Action to affect Qantas                     UPDATE : 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.

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

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 Business Class Companion Sale

URGENT COMMUNICATION Qantas Business Class Companion Sale UPDATE : 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. Hong Kong ex Perth $3895* London ex Perth $5999* New York ex Sydney $5999* Los Angeles ex Sydney $5599*  Shanghai ex Sydney  $4088* Johannesburg ex Perth $4766* 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

Travel Advice for UK

URGENT COMMUNICATION Travel Advice for London UPDATE : 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.