Ahead of the country's federal election, the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) reportedly is lobbying the political parties for A$10m annual funding to improve Australia’s position as a global events destination.

Ahead of the country's federal election, the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) reportedly is lobbying the political parties for A$10m annual funding to improve Australia’s position as a global events destination.

Australia's Qantas has applied to the International Air Services Commission (IASC) for an allocation of 3898 Australia-Indonesia seats per week - plus an allocation of 729 seats and four frequencies of beyond Indonesia capacity - for its Jetstar budget arm. Jetstar reportedly plans to fully utilise the capacity by Q3 2011.

UK carrier British Airways’ decision to withdraw staff travel perks from striking cabin crew is to be challenged in court by crew union Unite, which claims the action is a breach of European human rights legislation.

USA carrier Alaska Airlines says it has achieved 35 per cent emissions reductions by changing the way its planes descend for landing.

Singapore's Singapore Airlines posted a better-than-expected S$253 million profit in the three months to end June.

USA carrier US Airways has joined rivals Delta and United in posting a large second-quarter profit.

Air New Zealand has launched a 'Starfish Card' that entitles holders to a 15 per cent or 30 per cent discount on all NZ regional airfare types.

Batavia to Australia

Indonesian carrier Batavia Air is to launch daily flights between Denpasar and Perth using A319 equipment and later, also fly to Sydney and Melbourne using an A330-200.

USA carrier American Airlines says that in contrast with rivals Delta and United - which posted Q2 profits - it lost US$10.7 million in the second quarter.

The Land media says Sydney Airport and Regional Express (Rex) airline are in dispute over a proposed increase in airport fees.

China's HNA Group is to open in Australia through its Hong Kong Aviation Company.

Tourists - and potentially convention delegates - may be offered a common visa when touring the five East African Community countries.

Australia's Federal Government promises it will implement 24 hour air traffic control at Hobart and Launceston airports, Tasmania, using equipment at Melbourne to monitor flights between 10pm and 6am, when the local control towers are not staffed.

USA carrier American Airlines is being sued for US$5 million because it refused to refund a US$25 checked-baggage fee after it allegedly lost a passenger's suitcase.

New Zealand's Air New Zealand has said Auckland International Airport's (AIAL) buy-in at Queenstown Airport should be overturned and airlines should be allowed to invest in the airport.

USA carrier Continental Airlines is back in the black in Q2 with a 19 per cent revenue rise.

Sydney Airport, Australia has been named the second most efficient in the region after Hong Kong, for airports handling more than 15 million passengers per year.

InterContinental Sydney has appointed Ken Penney conference services and catering manager.