This week's news in brief: Air New Zealand, CWT, Hilton, and the Institute of Travel Management
ANZ profits slump 79%
Air New Zealand has blamed a 79% fall in first half profits for 2008 on high fuel costs, strong competition on key routes and the tough economic climate.
But ANZ said its low gearing and strong cash reserves would improve second half results significantly.
John Palmer, ANZ's chairman, said the airline remained in a "strong position."
The results showed net profit for the six months to December 31 at NZD$24m (USD$12.2m), compared with NZD$115m the year before.
Group revenue was up NZD$87m to NZD$2.4bn, of which NZD$75m was from foreign exchange gains.
www.airnewzealand.com
Pilcher to step down as Project ICARUS chairman
Tony Pilcher is to step down as chairman of the Institute of Travel Management's (ITM) Project ICARUS CSR initiative.
Mr Pilcher, ex head of business travel management at HSBC and director of Pilcher Associates Limited, will be succeeded by Mark Avery with immediate effect.
"Having had the honour and privilege of being Chairman since the Advisory Group's inception in 2006, I now feel that the time is right for me to hand over the Chairman's baton," said Mr Pilcher.
"Project ICARUS has been a resounding ITM strategic success built upon the vision of Mark Avery when he led the CSR debate during his term as ITM Chairman. The project couldn't be in better hands."
Mr Avery, head of business services for PricewaterhouseCoopers, takes over the position having instigated the project during his time as ITM chairman. PwC was the first company to be ICARUS accredited.
www.itm.org.uk www.icarus.irm.org.uk
CWT appoints Net Trans as exclusive commission service
Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has appointed Net Trans as its exclusive hotel commission recovery service for EMEA for the next three years.
"Carlson Wagonlit Travel is delighted to extend its partnership with Net Trans in EMEA," said Jennifer Charlton, CWT's vp global hotels and EMEA.
"Net Trans has played a key part in CWT's strategy for hotel commissions and we look forward to developing our already successful relationship."
www.ntrans.com www.carlsonwagonlit.com
Booking.com and Hilton sign global distribution deal
Global online hotel provider Booking.com has announced a distribution agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC).
Under the new agreement, HHC's global portfolio of hotels will be available on Booking.com and via its network of more than 4,500 distribution partners.
Gillian Tans, director Hotels at Booking.com, said: "Hilton's high quality brands are recognized globally and we are excited to offer them to our customers.
"With Hilton hotels in 77 countries, we are eager to further develop this beneficial relationship as we continue our global expansion."
Philippe Garnier, HHC's senior director, distribution sales, added: "We are pleased to be establishing a strategic global partnership with Booking.com, an ideal partner to help us reach millions of additional travelers worldwide.
"We trust that Booking.com will complement our distribution globally."
www.booking.com