The New Zealand travel and tourism industry is facing a storm as the government’s recent decisions on visa fees and the International Visitor Levy (IVL) threaten to derail its recovery efforts. The double whammy has significantly increased the cost of visiting the country, making it less attractive to international travellers. According to Dr. Xie Xingquan, Regional Vice President, IATA, North Asia and Asia-Pacific, the combined impact of these changes could delay the return of visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels well beyond 2026. This is a major setback for the industry, which is a crucial contributor to the New Zealand economy. IATA had strongly opposed the increase in the IVL during the public consultation process for the IVL, arguing that it would harm the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination. Unfortunately, the government ignored these concerns and applied the levy in the 2024 budget despite ongoing discussions. Dr. Xie also expressed concern about the lack of transparency regarding the allocation of funds collected through the IVL. He urged the government to consider investing these resources in initiatives that support the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. As the industry struggles with these challenges, it is clear that the government’s approach to tourism policy needs to be reassessed. By fostering a more welcoming environment for international travellers, New Zealand can position itself as a leading destination and drive economic growth.
Read More »IATA raises concerns over GST notices targeting foreign airlines, says move detrimental to India’s aviation growth
Expressing concerns regarding the recent GST notices issued by India’s Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) to some foreign airlines, the IATA argues that this approach does not align with international norms and practices, pointing out that Indian airlines do not face similar demands abroad. These notices, targeting expenses incurred by foreign airlines’ headquarters, are seen as potentially detrimental to India’s aviation growth, it said.
Read More »India’s air traffic surpassed 2019 levels in 2023; tech driving aviation growth: Country Director-India, IATA
Amitabh Khosla, Country Director-India, IATA said that India’s air traffic had already surpassed 2019 levels, both for domestic and international flights, in 2023 itself. “So certainly, we are witnessing rapid growth, as demonstrated in the unveiling video of the 2025 AGM. There is a significance amount of activity and technology driving aviation growth in India, ” he added.
Read More »13.8% increase in global passenger demand compared in March 2024 vis-a-vis the same month in 2023: IATA
As per International Air Transport Association (IATA), in March 2024, there was 13.8 per cent increase in global passenger demand vis-a-vis the same month in 2023. International passenger demand saw a rise of 18.9 per cent compared to March 2023, while domestic demand rose to 6.6 per cent, showcasing a positive landscape for aviation industry.
Read More »IATA projects civil aviation industry net profits to slightly stablize in 2024 at US$25.7 billion
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced strengthened profitability projections for airlines in 2023, which will then largely stabilize in 2024. Airline industry net profits are expected to reach US$25.7 billion in 2024 (2.7% net profit margin). That will be a slight improvement over 2023 which is expected to show a US$23.3 billion net profit (2.6% net profit margin).
Read More »Aeroflot-Russian Airlines commences three weekly flights from Goa -Moscow from 30th September 2023
Aeroflot to resume direct regular flights to Indian state Goa from Moscow and Ekaterinburg. The services will be operated to international airport Dabolim (IATA: GOI). Tickets are available. In line with bilateral agreement between India and Russia from September 30 three weekly flights from Sheremetyevo airport will be operated on wide-body Airbus A330 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. From October 3 three weekly flights from Ekaterinburg will be operated on Boeing 737- 800 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. In addition to Goa, Aeroflot operates direct flights from Moscow to Delhi all year round. Traditionally the south of India is a favorite place for beach holidays of Russians in fall and winter. The flights are expected to be in high demand. Tourists will be able to get to the Indian Ocean coast in comfort and without transfers. The up-to-date schedule is available on Aeroflot’s website. “Goa flights to Moscow will boast tourism from Russia as well as India, as Russia has simplified the process for visa issuance for Indians, now Indians can apply for Russian visas online, except this cargo sector from western India will be in demand as trade between countries is increasing from last few months” said Dr. Naveen Rao Director of Delmos Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
Read More »Airline industry to generate US$ 9.8 billion net profit, with 1.2% net profit margin: IATA
IATA, in its quarterly air transport chartbook for 2nd Quarter 2023, reported that the global airline industry is expected to generate a net profit of USD9.8 billion in 2023, with a modest 1.2% net profit margin. This translates to an expected profit of USD2.25 per passenger.
Read More »‘India’s vision for aviation industry is great, but it shouldn’t be curtailed of high taxes’
An IATA report revealed, India has the right vision and well-timed strategy for the aviation sector and its still a long way to go, especially with good economic growth and high population, but it should also be ensured that the positive impact is not curtailed by too many taxes.
Read More »India’s domestic traffic sees 18.3% y-o-y rise, RPKs surpasses 2019 levels by14.7%: IATA
According to a recent report by IATA, India witnessed a significant surge , with RPKs surpassing 2019 levels by 14.7 % and experiencing an 18.3 % year-on -year increase. Growth in international air traffic continues to be stable this month.
Read More »May-Sept forward bookings show 35% surge compared to same period in 2022
Based on a survey of 4700 travelers in 11 countries, IATA reported high levels of confidence among travelers for the 2023 summer season. Forward booking data from 1Q2023 for travel between May-2023 and Sep-2023 is tracking at 35% above 2022 levels.
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