Melbourne Airport moves to cut down taxi rip offs

Been ripped off catching a taxi from Sydney or Melbourne airports? 

Melbourne Airport is testing a new fixed-fare taxi booking system to make it “simpler and safer” for passengers to reach their destinations, the airport says on its Facebook page. 

The airport has partnered with taxi dispatcher A2B, which supports 13cabs, Silver Top, Black and White and Silver Service, to install three kiosks that will begin trials from today at the Qantas domestic terminal. 

The system will allow customers to pre-book taxis for a guaranteed fare. 

Passengers can input their destination address and pay the fixed fare upfront, then show the receipt to a driver waiting in a dedicated bay. 

"Taxi touts rip off passengers and deprive honest drivers of work, so we’re doing everything in our power to stamp out the practice,” said Melbourne Airport chief of ground transport, property and retail Jai McDermott. 

“People shouldn’t have to haggle with a cabbie over a fare or their destination when they come to the airport, and this trial aims to eliminate that pain point.

“Our hope is that this trial will add a sense of security and certainty to the process of catching a cab from the airport.” 

The move by Melbourne Airport follows the announcement last month of fixed $60 taxi fares from Sydney Airport to the CBD, with a 12-month trial aiming to address a raft of complaints about passengers being “ripped off” by exorbitant charges. 

Breezy Marnong Estate offers more than just fine wine

Marnong Estate is a name that should be on the radar of wine lovers. And food lovers. And folk who enjoy a day or two away in the vineyards.

Owner Dino Strano is not a man to do things by halves. 

The builder and developer has already invested heavily - and has big plans in the pipeline for his property at Sunbury, just a hop, skip and jump from Melbourne Airport.

Following on from highly credentialed consultants, talented Alex Beckett leads the winemaking team and Shannon Fullerton is chief viticulturist.

“When Dino embarked on this project, he knew it would be ambitious," Beckett (below) says. "He has always taken the approach of seeking out talented and knowledgeable individuals to ensure that everything is done in the right way.”

There is upmarket villa accommodation - with an 80-room international standard hotel in the planning stage - along with two impressive on-site eateries: Cucina 3064 and the hatted La Vètta. 

Both are Italian accented, appropriate given the Strano family originally came from Sicily.

It is no wonder Marnong has quickly become popular with Melburnian wine and food lovers, as well as proving a busy wedding and function venue. There is bright, breezy and fun ambience here. 

Younger family members are nor forgotten. They can enjoy the gardens and the on-site petting zoo.

One of Marnong's major drawcards is its location. It is situated just 35 minutes north of Melbourne CBD in the heart of the Sunbury wine region. It is just 18km from Tullamarine Airport, and offers views that stretch to the Macedon Ranges.

The 480-hectare estate is also a working farm with Angus and Highland cattle grazing contentedly.

There is an original 19th century homestead along with the cellar door, eateries and function spaces.

Marnong now has close to 32 hectares of vines planted to varieties ranging from cool-climate specialities in chardonnay and pinot noir, to pinot grigio, montepulciano, fiano and sangiovese. The first plantings were in 2016.

On a recent hosted visit I was very impressed not only by the wines made by ex-Briar Ridge winemaker Beckett, but also the food and tourism offerings.

The architecturally designed lodgings offer comfort and tranquillity with studios starting from $279 per night and one-bedroom suites from $324.

Beckett was lured from the Hunter Valley by a $22 million state-of-the-art winery facility that is hugely impressive.

Good news for wine lovers: bottle prices start at a very reasonable $25 for the estate range and $35 for single vineyard wines. More expensive offerings are on the way.

Images: Winsor Dobbin/supplied

# The writer was hosted by Marnong Estate

See www.marnongestate.com.au

Hit the road: US rolls out new travel campaign

The United States’ destination marketing organization is rolling out a new campaign to bolster travel demand in key markets,.

Brand USA’s global campaign America the Beautiful launched this week in London at Brand USA Travel Week, aimed at connecting US destinations with international buyers and media after reduced visitor numbers in the first half of the year.

The campaign, first unveiled in June, followed cuts to Brand USA’s federal funding at a time when political rhetoric and restrictive policies have curbed international tourism to the US, travel news hub Skift reported.

The campaign will roll out on connected TV, streaming, out-of-home, digital, and social media platforms across nine major markets: the UK, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico and South Korea.

It is timed to promote growth ahead of 2026, a year marked by the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the Route 66 centennial.

"The United States remains the top international destination for long-haul leisure travel in the world, reflecting the enduring appeal of our varied and unique destinations and experiences," said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.

“With America the Beautiful, we're delivering a fresh invitation to explore the USA in new and exciting ways. 

"As we look ahead to 2026 and the decade of mega events on the horizon, we remain laser-focused on maximizing international tourism opportunities to drive economic impact and job growth while inviting the world to celebrate 250 years of America the Beautiful.”

The message sounds a little Trumpian.

"America the Beautiful tells the story of America bigger, bolder, and more beautifully than ever before -balancing the power of place with the depth of human connection,” said Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer of Brand USA.

“Every element, from powerful creative storytelling to AI-powered planning tools, is designed to inspire travellers to see America in new ways and to turn that inspiration into action.

"We're not asking people to simply visit America; we're inviting them to feel it, taste it, and carry home experiences that become core memories.”

Brand USA Travel Week India (January 18-23, 2026) and Brand USA Travel Week South America (March 16-20, 2026) will be key events in markets with strong potential for inbound travel growth.

To learn more about Brand USA, visit TheBrandUSA.com.

Lufthansa planning to can domestic flights

German airline powerhouse Lufthansa is poised to cancel up to 100 flights a week on domestic routes. 

Reduced passenger numbers, higher taxes and airport fees at German airports were reasons given by Lufthansa, which says many domestic routes are no longer profitable.

The decision follows a recent one by Ryanair to cut back on its flights in and out of German destinations. 

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said around 100 weekly domestic air links are now under review, news hub Travel Mole reported.

“Without a reduction in the burden on our home markets, further cuts will be unavoidable,” Spohr told Welt am Sonntag.

The decision comes as Lufthansa also plans to eliminate about 4,000 administrative positions as part of a wider cost-reduction effort.

“Routes such as Munich–Münster/Osnabrück or Munich–Dresden are under review,” Spohr said. “We operate these flights at a loss every single day.”

He noted that the cost of operating within Germany has nearly doubled since 2019 due to higher air traffic control fees, airport charges, and environmental taxes, making some services unsustainable.

Unlike international traffic, domestic air travel in Germany has failed to return to pre-pandemic levels. Industry groups attribute this to a decline in business travel. 

Many businesses have permanently shifted to videoconferencing while there is also major competition from high-speed rail services. 

If implemented, Lufthansa’s reduction could affect smaller regional airports such as Dresden, Münster/Osnabrück, Nuremberg, and Saarbrücken. 

These all rely heavily on connections to Munich and Frankfurt. 

Meet the 82-year-old chef driving a new Sydney restaurant

An octogenarian chef is the kitchen driving force for a new family-run Greek restaurant that opened its doors last week in Sydney's historic The Rocks district.

Jimmy’s Kitchen is a tribute from hospitality industry veteran Chris Drivas - who has with over 50 years of experience in the industry - to his late father, Jimmy.

Chef Marko Taxidis, who is 82, leads the kitchen.

He first cooked with Jimmy Drivas n Sydney in the 1950s and has been part of the family business ever since.

The Greek taverna-style eatery is inspired by Chris’s childhood working alongside his dad in Greece from age seven.

The 22-seat restaurant aims to replicate a traditional Greek home with sandstone walls, royal blue accents, and shelves lined with olive oil, pastas, and preserved capsicum.

Menu highlights include the astakos lritharaki (lobster with orzo), lamb kKleftiko, and saganaki halloumi.

“When customers walk through your door, you treat them like they’re coming into your house,” Jimmy would say, his son recalls.

“It’s intimate, unpretentious, and designed to feel like you’ve stepped into a family kitchen - where the food is real, the welcome is genuine, and every dish brings people together.”

The drinks list is uniquely and proudly Greek - from crisp assyrtiko to bold xinomavro wines, alongside Greek beers, aperitifs, digestifs, cocktails, and mocktails.

Jimmy's Kitchen is at Bay 9/7-27 Circular Quay Wharf, The Rocks. See https://thevenuesco.au/jimmyskitchenbaynine/

Images: Leigh Griffiths 

Good news and bad news for Rex flyers

A low-profile US aviation company is poised to run Australian rural airline Regional Express (Rex).

Air T has secured a deal to take over Rex, which went into administration last year with large debts and has been propped up with government money.

Rex is regional airline that serves numerous small towns across Australia,

It has been able to continue flying regional routes thanks to more than a $100 million government bailout.

The airline’s troubles were created when it attempted to compete with the major airlines - Qantas and Virgin Australia - on mainline big city routes.

More details on the deal could be released this week, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Air T operates various aviation divisions in the US, including charter and maintenance services. It also operates some FedEx services and a facility with access to hard-to-find aircraft parts which would help keep Rex’s Saab 340 aircraft running.

Over 30 of Rex’s 56 Saabs are currently in service, with the remainder grounded awaiting parts and engines.

There was also some bad news for Rex frequent flyers this week with the airline's loyalty program, Rex Flyer, suspended after the company managing the program was placed into voluntary administration.

Rex Flyer Pty Ltd is now in the hands of administrator EY (formerly Ernst and Young), which said it is now assessing the next steps for the loyalty brand and will issue an update to members as soon as practicable.

The development followed confirmation of Air T's agreement with Rex administrators to buy the the Rex business and retain staff, but also to pursue growth opportunities.

"The proposed acquisition contemplates a continuation and growth of Rex’s regional airline business and continuing employment for its workforce," Minneapolis-based Air T said on its website.

Air T has said it expects to close the acquisition of Rex by the end of the year, so long as creditor and
other approvals are obtained.


In a statement, a spokesperson for Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the announcement is a “positive step towards bringing Rex out of voluntary administration”.

Established in 1980, Air T has widespread freight and transport interests.

Here is a link to the Air T statement: https://airt.com/2025/10/21/agreement-regional-express-holdings/