AHA: More international flights needed for Adelaide

[Justin L]

Recent flight cuts worldwide due to oil prices aside, I suppose JQ's 787s may bring more international flights as previously mooted. Maybe Air Asia X in the future also? But what other likely options are there? Would previously suggested (several years ago) TG flights to BKK, FJ flights to NAN and SJ (now NZ) to CHC be a chance again? Also, would a resumption of GA flights to DPS be likely? EK even suggested a new budget airline which used A380s with maximum seat capactity and hubbing through ADL a while back and was posted on the old board. What could viably happen in people's opinions with respect to international ops out of Adelaide?

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/s...6-2682,00.html

Fears tourism shortage will lead to hotel glut
Article from: The Advertiser
JESSICA HURT, TOURISM EDITOR

August 17, 2008 08:20pm

ADELAIDE is in urgent need of more international flights as it faces a "glut" of hotel accommodation in the next five years, warns the peak hotel industry body.

The Australian Hotels Association says international air access is about to become even more critical as Adelaide faces its largest increase in hotel rooms – more than 1200.

The AHA also opposes Adelaide Airport's curfew, saying it inhibits air access.

The AHA has submitted a proposal to the Federal Government as part of the development of Australia's new Aviation Policy Statement.

The submission says if the curfew was relaxed, it is almost certain more international flights would service Adelaide. The curfew prevents passenger aircraft from landing at the airport between 11pm and 6am.

AHA manager national accommodation division Hamish Arthur said Adelaide faced "arguably the greatest room supply in history" with a number of properties due to come online in the next few years, including the 16-level Crowne Plaza hotel in Hindmarsh Square and a $30 million hotel in the old CML building on King William St.

Mr Arthur said Adelaide faced a risk of a glut in 2010 and 2011.

Other projects include a 23-storey $65 million boutique hotel on Hindley St and a hotel at Adelaide Airport.

Adelaide is Australia's fifth-largest city yet it has only 30 international flights arriving each week.

A spokeswoman for Singapore Airlines, which has daily flights between here and Singapore, said: "There are no immediate plans to increase services to Adelaide but we certainly wouldn't rule that out in the future."

South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Andrew McEvoy said there was ongoing pitching to airlines to boost flights.