AFR rumour [confirmed] - SQ to launch SIN-CBR-WLG

[Fiches Mouser]

I wonder if CBR subsidised it too

They most certainly have. Not sure of the exact arrangement though.

 

[vertisol]

I wonder if CBR subsidised it too

It's been openly reported that the ACT Government has opened the purse strings on their annual overseas tourism promotion budget for a targeted offensive into Singapore but they couldn't have helped with offsetting any of the airfield fees as they don't have any control over them.

 

[ajd]

It's been openly reported that the ACT Government has opened the purse strings on their annual overseas tourism promotion budget for a targeted offensive into Singapore but they couldn't have helped with offsetting any of the airfield fees as they don't have any control over them.

They could help with offsetting the airfield fees by just paying the airport on SQ's behalf... I recall reading though that Canberra Airport may be involved in subsidising it, but I can't remember the source.

 

[vertisol]

They could help with offsetting the airfield fees by just paying the airport on SQ's behalf... I recall reading though that Canberra Airport may be involved in subsidising it, but I can't remember the source.

I think I heard the ABC ask the question of the Chief Minister and he stated it was just the tourism stuff but no doubt the Snow's have helped make it happen.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

I'm trying to book a CBR-SIN-IST award for the end of the year but it's telling me its not possible. Has anyone had any success with long-haul redemptions ex-CBR?

Might have to try over the phone.

 

[DavidFlynn]

I believe that both CBR and ACT Tourism have skin in this game.

 

[Foreigner]

ACT chief minister eyeing Chinese carrier for direct flights to CBR:

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act...BvALHOsgU7SQuJLyaQBwpHud12Q&expiry=1492476817

 

[smit0847]

ACT chief minister eyeing Chinese carrier for direct flights to CBR:

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act...BvALHOsgU7SQuJLyaQBwpHud12Q&expiry=1492476817

Wouldn't CX be the next logical target?

 

[penegal]

MU or CZ are next most likely I would say.
CX are unlikely to do it just because SQ did it.

Also, it will be interesting to see yields on the route.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

I was in WLG last week and certainly apparent to me was the highly visible marketing on behalf of SQ highlighting the new route.

Will be interesting to see the how the route goes particularly on the CBR > WLG sector .

 

[Virgin Bart]

Hi everyone, a few months on all the hype is there any announcements on CBR lounge? I couldn't find any on SQ website.

 

[DavidFlynn]

I was told at the launch that eligible SQ flyers would have access to the Virgin Australia lounge, then close to boarding they'd zip through the nearby customs/security zone and down to the international departures level. SQ was also considering some form of 'premium waiting area' near the gate, with more comfy seating reserved for business class travellers and eligible frequent flyers.

 

[Simo]

Sounds like a idea all carriers should use with the seating near the gate as sometimes you get called for boarding and then there can be a delay

 

[DavidFlynn]

Yeah, Airberlin has 'executive waiting areas' near its main gates of its key terminals. Those are perhaps grandiosely titled, although they've got soft drinks, coffee and tea, newspapers & magazines, plus some tables and AC outlets where you can sit and work. I really do like the idea, especially as you say for delays on flights. Note of course that there aren't lounges per se, and a while back AirNZ had something similar thing with a Koru Express Lounge concept. But yeah if space allowed it'd be good for some terminals to have a simple 'premium waiting area' at the gates where eligible travellers could cool their heels post-lounge and pre-boarding.

 

[dajop]

When you think about it, using the VA lounge would be sensible. It's not as if there will be hindered of passengers on heaps of international flights trying to get through immigration and security around the start of boarding. In fact not terribly different to the situation at Changi with gate based security, but in all likelihood a much shorter walk to the gate than Changi.

 

[kpc]

Recently flew out of Adl...immigration didn't open til about T-90 mins so we cooled our heals in the Va lounge. ...post immigration, there was the small subpar Krisflyer lounge which really was a waste of space with very poor food and drink offering. ..so wouldn't expect much if Sq open a lounge in Cbr.

 

[DavidFlynn]

When you think about it, using the VA lounge would be sensible. It's not as if there will be hindered of passengers on heaps of international flights trying to get through immigration and security around the start of boarding. In fact not terribly different to the situation at Changi with gate based security, but in all likelihood a much shorter walk to the gate than Changi.

True, especially the last bit! By memory the Virgin Australia lounge is directly in front of where the entrance to the international zone will be, and if they set up a 'priority channel' or (perhaps better) a priority lane which can see premium passengers funnelled into several security/immigration lanes as available, that's going to be about all you need at that stage of the journey.

CBR's new international gate lounge area looks pretty good, too, so hopefully there will be space for SQ to set aside for premium travellers, especially in transit from Wellington to Singapore (if they want somewhere to wait after hitting up the cafe). But I can see most CBR-SIN flyers simply waiting it out at the Virgin Australia lounge, getting the boarding call and then moseying downstairs and straight onto the flight.

Speaking of which: anybody here going to be on the inaugural? We should set up in our own corner of the Virgin Australia lounge!

 

[ajd]

Speaking of which: anybody here going to be on the inaugural? We should set up in our own corner of the Virgin Australia lounge!

I'll be on the SQ291 CBR-WLG inaugural! Sadly no lounge access for me... can confirm the International Departures zone is right next to the current VA lounge.

Anyone got any idea what we can expect as far as inaugural festivities?

 

[clifford]

But I can see most CBR-SIN flyers simply waiting it out at the Virgin Australia lounge, getting the boarding call and then moseying downstairs and straight onto the flight.

I am assuming that if you have no VA status, even if flying SQ business class, you won't get access to the VA lounge.

 

[TomVexille]

I am assuming that if you have no VA status, even if flying SQ business class, you won't get access to the VA lounge.

Unless SQ arrange access