Carry On: News for business travellers

Dubai’s A380 terminal fully open
Concourse A, the dedicated home of the Emirates A380s and the world’s first purpose-built facility for the aircraft at Dubai International, is now fully functional. All 20 capable contact A380 gates and Emirates’ First Class and Business Class lounges, which comprise 29,000sq m of the facility, are now fully operational after a five-week-long phase-in period. 

Concourse A is part of the Terminal 3 complex built for the use of Emirates, from where its passengers can travel to its network of 21 A380 destinations across Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Two of Emirates’ four daily flights from New Zealand to Dubai and beyond via Australia are now operated by A380s. Meanwhile, 14 million passengers have experienced a flight on the Emirates’ A380, new figures show. The double-decker superjumbo was introduced into the Emirates’ fleet in August 2008.

Sailing though ancient Turkey
Archaeological tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels will uncover the remote treasures of Turkey’s ancient past this June on an eight-day sailing expedition along the magnificent Carian Coast. Travelling aboard a traditional wooden gulet, the expedition sails west from Göcek to Bodrum, visiting sites such as ancient Halicarnassus and theruins of Kaunos with its rock-cut temple tombs. Other destinations include Phoenix, Lydae and the marbled city of Knidos with its scenic double harbour. The tour, Cruising the Carian Coast - from Mediterranean to Aegean, is hosted by archaeologist and BBC documentary maker Peter Sommer.

New CEO needed for Air Pacific
Air Pacific is seeking a new chief executive after David Pflieger ends his three-year contract on May 1. Mr Pflieger, who is returning to the US, has restored the airline to profitability and presided over a fleet modernisation programme that will this year see the introduction of Airbus A330s, as well as a rebrand to Fiji Airways. Air Pacific chairman Nalin Patel has paid a tribute to Mr Pflieger’s achievement. "At a time when many of the world's other airlines were struggling, Dave skilfully guided Air Pacific through one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the airline industry," he says.

Mr Pflieger says the time "is right" for him to hand over the reigns and pursue other opportunities. "It is clear that the company now has a proven track record of success and an exciting future ahead," he says. He will assist with the transition to a new chief executive.

Jetstar flies to the Rock
Jetstar will replace Qantas between Sydney and Ayers Rock/Uluru with a four times weekly service to start on June 4. It will be Jetstar’s 19th domestic destination will make the route more competitive . "Low fares will help grow the market, making the region more accessible to domestic and international visitors," says Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive David Hall. "We expect it to be very popular."

Jetstar will operate A320s with flights departing Sydney at 10.30am every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, arriving into Ayers Rock at 1.35pm. Return services depart at 2.20pm, arriving in Sydney at 5.45pm.

Hotels post record January bookings
The fine summer is proving a boom for tourism operators and hoteliers. The Tourism Industry Association says January occupancy rate of 71.8% is the best in two years while the average daily rate is up to $135. Auckland was above the national average at 74.8% occupancy, the highest in five years, as was Wellington's at 64.9%. The main holiday regions of Queenstown and Central Park (Taupo, Ruapehu, Napier and Gisborne) have enjoyed business continuing well into the new year. As a result, corporate business picked up later than usual.