Carry On: News for business travellers

Jetstar launches frequent flier club
It may sound oxymoronic but no-frills airline Jetstar is launching a membership programme, Club Jetstar, that is aimed at business and frequent travellers. Club members will have access to exclusive sales events and discounts, with some sale fares as low as $1. A bonus offer of a $50 travel voucher will go to customers who sign up by next Sunday, June 30, at the joining fee of $29. The annual membership fee of $29.99 is waived for the first year.

Rydges to manage Latimer Hotel
The first hotel to be built in the Christchurch since the 2011 earthquake, the Latimer, will open on October 1 under the management of Rydges Hotels & Resorts. Branded as the Rydges Latimer Christchurch, it 138 rooms, a restaurant and bar, and conference and banqueting space for up to 360 people. The Latimer will expand the Rydges portfolio in New Zealand to five locations – Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch.

Don’t come to Singapore
Poisonous smoke fumes from Indonesia forest fires are sending travellers out of Singapore in record numbers. Last Friday, the Pollutant Standards Index reached a new high of 401, which is harzardous to human health. The loss of business visitors and tourists for just one week would cost Singapore about $1 billion. Singapore is Asia’s most-popular business destination and tourism-related industries make up as much as 6% of the economy.

Virgin Australia stake approved
Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board has approved Singapore Airlines' intention to increase its stake in Virgin Australia by 9.9%, taking its full shareholding to 19.9%. The purchase will cost $A122.6 million. Air New Zealand is seeking permission to take its stake in Virgin Australia to 2X%. Earlier this year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission approved Virgin Australia’s plan to acquire 60% of Tiger Airways Australia

AirAsiaX lists in Malaysia
AirAsia X raised 988 million Malaysian ringgit ($398 million) in a share sale in a share float that offered 790.1 million shares to investors at MYR1.15-1.45 each. AirAsia X, the long-haul arm of AirAsia, plans to use a third of the proceeds to repay bank loans with another third set for capital expenditures. The rest will be used as general working capital. Trading in the shares begins on July 10.