Viva Macau bets on casino links
MELBOURNE – When budget Asian airline Viva Macau touched down on its inaugural flight to Melbourne yesterday the carrier might have had one eye on events happening in its own backyard.
Air China this week agreed to inject US$19.3 million into its loss-making subsidiary Air Macau, lifting its stake in the carrier to 80.9 percent from 51 percent.
The civil aviation industry in Macau is run by the government which allocates flying concessions to carriers, much like it does with gaming licences.
Viva Macau has a sub-concession and any new destinations need to be approved by the government and concession holder Air Macau.
Viva Macau’s chief executive Reg Macdonald said he would have started Melbourne services sooner if he’d known demand would be as strong as it is, with December flights already booked out.
Viva Macau will fly direct twice-weekly Melbourne-Macau, and hopes to establish stronger links between the two casino cities.
Dr Macdonald said he was in discussions to cross promote his airline with James Packer’s casinos and hotels in Macau and Melbourne.
“There’s a natural affinity there,” he said. “To have footholds in both markets is unique.â€
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026