Richard Maslen has travelled across the globe to report on developments in the aviation sector as airlines and airports have continued to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions. Initially managing the weekly newsletter for respected aviation insurance loss adjuster Airclaims Limited, he later joined aviation media company Key Publishing where he spent almost nine years interviewing many of the industry’s senior players producing content for renowned titles such as Airliner World and Airports of the World. In 2011, he joined air service development specialist Routes (latterly part of UBM) where he developed a complete digital editorial content strategy for the business and has become well respected by the aviation community for his knowledge and insight. In April 2017, he left to establish his own business, Maslen Aviation Consultancy, providing storytelling content production, delivery and promotion support as well as consultancy services on aviation topics. He has already started working independently for a number of clients providing online content, event coverage, conference speaking, media appearances, advice on marketing and live event experience as well as project management on an exciting new content platform.
China Southern announced in August that it would commence a three times weekly link between Guangzhou and Christchurch from December 15, 2015 operated using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. This was originally displaying just for the winter schedule, but last month reservations were opened for the route to continue through the summer 2016 schedule.
Optimised for non-stop flights to the US, the aircraft, designated A350-900ULR (Ultra-Long Range), will include a modified fuel system to increase the fuel carrying capacity, an increase in Maximum Take-Off Weight, plus aerodynamic improvements, enabling service to the US West Coast, as well as to New York.
The new Adelaide route will be flown using Qatar Airways’ new Airbus A350-900 and will boost its Australian capacity to 28 flights a week. The airline’s Gulf rival, Emirates Airline already serves Adelaide from Dubai International Airport with flights since November 2012; now operating daily using a Boeing 777-300ER.