Mark Harada

Australia, Sydney

Editor at KarryOn

Box the compass with Mark Harada & Gaya Avery.

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Articles

Etihad brings A350 to Sydney; here’s what it means for flyers

5 days ago | karryon.com.au | Mark Harada

The move comes as Etihad increases flights from Sydney to Abu Dhabi from seven to ten per week starting 1 July 2025 and replaces its B777-300ER on the route. The A350 will initially fly select services alongside Etihad’s B787-9 aircraft, before the Airbus jet takes over the entire route from the end of January 2026.
Premium economy on the rise, & that’s good news for everyone

1 week ago | karryon.com.au | Mark Harada

The key takeaway here is that businesses are backing comfort over cost for their work travel – and that shift is also creating new revenue opportunities for travel advisors. But why the boom? It could be because premium economy offers a sweet spot between standard economy and business class, a cost-effective solution for travellers wanting more space and a better rest without the hefty price tag.
Fiji Airways CEO, who steered the carrier to success, steps down

1 week ago | karryon.com.au | Mark Harada

“On behalf of the Board and the entire Fiji Airways Group, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Andre for his outstanding leadership over the past 10 years,” Fiji Airways Chairman Nalin Patel said in a statement. “Under his stewardship, Fiji Airways has undergone a remarkable transformation. “The airline’s SKYTRAX Rating improved to 4 Stars, with its global ranking soaring from 102nd in 2015 to an impressive 14th in 2024.
“Not a hoax”: Airline says it may launch in 2025

1 week ago | karryon.com.au | Mark Harada

Indonesia Airlines originally targeted its inaugural flights for November 2024, but reported delays in fit-outs pushed back its launch. “After final discussions with our interior consultants, they informed us they couldn’t meet the initial deadline,” Indonesia Airlines CEO Iskandar Ismail said. “We are still working on this with them, but we remain committed to launching by the end of this year.
Airline drops $1,499 return business class fares & $149 economy fares to HK

1 week ago | karryon.com.au | Mark Harada

Valid to book until 13 June or until sold out (whichever comes first), the offer is open to licensed travel agents, plus employees of airlines, tour operators, hotels, tourism boards and airport services. Travel must be taken between 21 June and 26 October 2025 with outbound departures (ex-Sydney) limited to Monday–Thursday only. Hong Kong Airlines announced the launch of its Sydney flights earlier this year.
Airfares have risen since 2019, but nothing like milk, coffee, bread and petrol

1 week ago | karryon.com.au | Mark Harada

Using Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) data, Flight Centre Corporate says that a basket of goods and services that cost $1 in 2019 would cost $1.20 in 2024 – a 20% rise due to average inflation of 3.8% per year. But some daily items like a 2L carton of milk (+83%), take away coffee (+38%), 1kg bag of apples (+38%), unleaded petrol (+35%), and a loaf of bread (+31%) have grown at a much higher rate than average inflation.
First look at APT Solara & Ostara's world-first hydraulic venue, Grüner Bar & Dining

1 week ago | karryon.com.au | Mark Harada

When passengers embark on APT’s new-generation vessels this year to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, they’ll encounter the first hydraulically lifted venue to appear on a cruise ship. You’ll know rotating restaurants; this is something along those lines, but instead of rotating, Grüner Bar & Dining rises from the ships’ upper decks (deck three) to their sun decks – and brings literally elevated views of some of the world’s most picturesque waterways.
US South's red states see rise in interest among Australian travellers

1 week ago | karryon.com.au | Mark Harada

Although this data excludes the States’ largest markets Canada and Mexico, the latest numbers that include those markets – for January and February 2025 – show a similar pattern of ups and downs – despite widespread reports of one-way, downwards traffic from Canada. Throw a recent survey of US tourism operators and destinations into the mix, in which one in two respondents admitted to a decline in present and future business, and the picture becomes even blurrier.
Bali cracks down on tourist crime as Aussie arrivals reach all-time high

1 week ago | karryon.com.au | Mark Harada

Earlier this year, Balinese authorities concerned about a rise in crime involving both tourists and locals issued new safety advice and considered fresh measures to educate visitors on respectful behaviour. In April, Bali Governor Wayan Koster confirmed that nearly 130 foreign nationals were deported from the Indonesian province during the first three months of 2025 for unruly behaviour. At the time, Koster said authorities would take a “no mercy” approach to ill-behaved foreigners.
Qantas adds 60,000 seats for peak New Zealand tourism season

1 week ago | karryon.com.au | Mark Harada

The major trans-Tasman capacity lift will add around 60,000 extra seats over the two months, delivering up to 20 per cent more capacity between the two nations as well as greater flexibility and options for those looking to explore Aotearoa during the peak holiday season. The boost includes significant jumps on popular routes, with Brisbane–Queenstown up by 75 per cent and Melbourne–Queenstown increasing by 50 per cent.