FCM: Business sector driving growth in Aus/Asia aviation market

Travel, suitcase and business people in airport lobby for global collaboration, teamwork and professional negotiation with wealth, luxury and rich. Corporate lawyer team in suit and luggage at hotel
Edited by Travel Weekly


    New statistics released by FCM, the corporate travel arm of Flight Centre Travel Group, have highlighted the popularity of the gateway between Australia and Asia in the business sector.

    The figures showed that bookings between 01 July and 30 September 2023 versus the same time last year between China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia took off by a whopping 83 per cent – a near doubling of demand between the two continents.

    According to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the trade interests areHave  inextricably linked. Australia’s two-way trade with ASEAN is greater than trade with Japan or the United States, passing AU$178 billion in 2022.

    Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are also in Australia’s top 15 trading partners for 2022. In any match-up of economic complementarity with growth potential, the greatest trade, and economic opportunities for Australia over the next 30 years lie in the ASEAN region.

    “Travel between Australia and the countries within Asia has always been critical for trade and we’re now seeing that demand for big business to head Down Under really ramp – as our latest innovative statistics show,” global COO, FCM, Melissa Elf, said.

    “It’s no coincidence that the growth in booking numbers coincides with airline capacity coming back and more seats being offered as the likes of Singapore Airlines swap out smaller aircraft for A380s into the capital cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

    “The other trend we’re seeing is corporate travellers extending their long-haul stay to take advantage of holiday destinations – Australia is the perfect place to do this.

    “Meetings, events, and conferences have also come back strong in the last three months and that’s reflected in these increased booking numbers.

    “Businesses are valuing face to face now more than ever as the euphoria of Zoom and Teams fades away in favour of in-person occasions.”

    Latest News

    • Events

    ETM scores gold at the NTIAs

    Event Travel Management has struck gold. We're unsure if the company collectively shouted eureka after winning, however.

    • Destinations
    • Events

    FCTG Independent launches first ever global conference with inaugural destination

    FCTG’s Independent Division is launching their first ever global conference, bringing together independent travel agency owners and mobile advisors from across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and South Africa. Santiago, Chile, has been revealed as the destination for the first conference, which will take place from 1 – 4 May next year. The FCTG […]

    • Conferences
    • Destinations
    • Events
    • Exhibitions
    • Partner Content

    The sunny spot to spice up your next conference

    Where could this sunny spot be? If your guess was the Sunshine State then you're off to a good start.

    Partner Content

    by Travel Weekly

    Travel Weekly
    • Destinations
    • Events

    Darwin Showcase 2023 flaunts the NT

    There's no better way to lure people to the NT than a showcase. Go see for yourself how it's 'different in every sense'.