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.

URGENT COMMUNICATION      Union Action to affect Qantas flights                           4 July, 5 July & 6 July UPDATE : 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. http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/flight-status/global/en

Gold Alert - NZ Flights resuming ... except Queenstown

URGENT COMMUNICATION AIRLINES RESUMING OPERATIONS TO/FROM AND WITHIN NEW zEALAND UPDATE : 0900 - 1 July 2011

We are pleased to report New Zealand flight services are heading back to normal with Qantas and Jetstar reporting resumption of most services. Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand are operating as normal. Jetstar will resume all its regular scheduled New Zealand domestic and Trans Tasman services from 12 noon today (NZ local time), 1 July 2011. Qantas International services Flights to and from Queenstown are suspended for Friday 01 July. Flights to and from Christchurch are suspended until 12.00 pm (local) on Friday 01 July. Flights to and from Wellington are suspended until 12.00 pm (local) on Friday 01 July. All other NZ flights are operating as normal. QF63 from Sydney to Johannesburg will operate via Perth. All other international services are operating as scheduled.  Goldman Travel Corporation will continue to monitor the situation as will our after hours team over the weekend. Travellers wishing to check the latest updates over the weekend may do so on the following websites. http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/disruptions/global/en http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/travel-alerts

Gold Alert - Continued disruptions to Qantas and Jetstar New Zealand flights

URGENT COMMUNICATION Qantas and Jetstar flights suspended for Queenstown, Wellington and Christchurch UPDATE : 08.30am, 30 June 2011

We bring you today’s update  on fight disruptions due to  the Volcanic Ash Cloud  at reported by the airlines at 0800 AEST. We will update you as information comes to hand.    Travellers affected by the ongoing flight disruptions are being contacted by Goldman Travel consultants and rebooked on the next scheduled service or alternate airlines. Qantas International services Flights to and from Queenstown are suspended until further notice. Flights to and from Christchurch are suspended until 11:00pm (local time) on Thursday 30 June. Flights to and from Wellington are suspended on Thursday 30 June. All other New Zealand flights are operating as normal.   Travellers to/from Buenos Aires face delays of over 50 hours Jetstar New Zealand Services ·         All flights to/from Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington have been cancelled for today, Thursday 30 June 2011       ·         All other Trans Tasman and international services continue to operate as normal The Virgin Australia Group of Airlines has resumed scheduled services from all domestic and international airports, including New Zealand airports. Air New Zealand domestic and international services operating as scheduled. Emirates service to Christchurch operating as scheduled More information is available on the following websites: http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/disruptions/global/en http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/travel-alerts http://www.virginaustralia.com/servicedisruption/index.htm