Corporate Travel News: May 2024

Airlines/Airports

The Australian 2024 Federal Budget reveals incoming changes to passport processing

The 2024 Australian Federal Budget has announced upcoming changes to passport processing. Starting from 1 July, travellers will have two options (Fastrack and Priority) available for an additional cost to expedite the turnaround time if their passport is about to expire or has less than six months left, which is a requirement for entry into many countries. The cost of purchasing a new passport or renewal will also increase from $350 to $400 from July onwards

Qantas upgrades economy meals on domestic flights

Qantas is reintroducing hot snacks and meals for economy passengers on domestic flights that last more than two hours. The new menu will be gradually introduced in the coming weeks and features dishes such as scrambled egg brioche, Portuguese chicken ciabatta rolls, pumpkin fritters, and classic beef sausage rolls. Additionally, the tea and coffee service will be extended until 4 pm for afternoon flights.

Airports across Australia continue to roll out  ‘computed tomography’ (CT) scanners

Airports across Australia are continuing to upgrade their security scanners, providing travellers with a more convenient security screening experience. Melbourne Airport began a trial of new ‘computed tomography’ (CT) scanners in the Qantas domestic terminal in April, with plans for all six security lanes to be fitted with the scanners by the end of August. The scanners are already used at airports in Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, the Gold Coast, and Melbourne Terminals 2 to 4. The scanners allow travellers to keep their laptops, liquids, and aerosols in their carry-on bags, saving time and providing a smoother experience. Brisbane and Sydney airports will soon begin upgrading their scanners, with plans to complete the upgrade by the end of 2025.

Air New Zealand increases Los Angeles Services.

Air New Zealand has announced that starting from 28 October, it will add more flights from Auckland to Los Angeles, with up to 12 weekly flights during peak travel times. The airline will reduce its weekly flights from Auckland to Houston, operating services five days per week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Rex Airlines to launch Rex Flyer perks

After launching its frequent flyer program, Rex Flyer, in late 2023, Rex Airlines will begin making benefits available to members this month. Members earn ‘Rex Points’ and ‘Status points, ‘ which can be used to enjoy a range of benefits, including offsetting the cost of flights, free business class upgrades, extra legroom economy seating, and moving to an earlier flight without a fee, along with the usual benefits such as lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, and boosted baggage allowances.

Auckland Airport has revealed detailed plans for its new domestic terminal

Auckland Airport has announced the details of its new domestic terminal, which is scheduled to open in 2030. The new terminal will offer modern airport services, making travelling easier and more efficient for passengers. The terminal will feature 12 jet aircraft gates, offering 26% more seat capacity, check-in kiosks, and automated bag drops. Security processing time will be reduced to under 7.5 minutes, and there will be charging points for electronic devices in 50% of seats in pre-departure areas.

US introduces a new law to streamline the refund process for airlines

A new US law has been implemented to streamline the refund process for both domestic and international airlines. This legislation aims to enhance passenger rights by ensuring that refunds are provided automatically, promptly, and for the entire amount. Airlines are required to adhere to this mandate within six months.

Emirates to introduce a new business class to Boeing 777 fleet

Emirates will introduce a new business class in an updated 1-2-1 seating configuration on over 81 of its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft.  Refurbishments will begin in July 2024, with one aircraft being refurbished a fortnight. The updated business class will provide passengers with enhanced comfort, privacy, and convenience, similar to those found on the airline’s new Airbus A350s and upcoming 777-9s, scheduled for delivery in late 2025.

Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul

Air New Zealand has announced its summer schedule changes, including the return of Auckland-Hobart and Auckland-Seoul flights as seasonal services, with three weekly direct flights between October and March. The airline has also increased capacity on key Asian routes.

Emirates A350 with next-gen business class to arrive in August 2024

Emirates Airlines is scheduled to receive its first A350 aircraft in August 2024, with flights commencing in mid-September. The new aircraft will feature the airline’s “next generation” business class seats, featuring a 1-2-1 layout providing every passenger with direct access to the aisle. Additionally, the Emirates A350s will have a premium economy class to ensure a consistent passenger experience across the entire fleet.

Sydney Airport launches a new valet service at T2 terminal

Sydney Airport has recently launched a new valet service at the T2 terminal, utilised by domestic airlines such as Virgin Australia, Rex Airlines, Jetstar Airways, and others. This new service will add to the premium valet parking at T1 and Qantas’ valet parking at T3.

Hotels

Novotel & Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport to open in July

From 1 July, the Novotel & Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport will officially begin welcoming guests. The dual-branded hotel is located within The Hive precinct at Melbourne Airport and offers 464 guest rooms. Additionally, guests will have access to three conference and event spaces, three dining venues, Melbourne’s first airport health and wellbeing club, and The Aerofoil, a modern hotel-serviced co-working space.

Marriott International Celebrates Milestone on Journey Towards Net-Zero

Marriott International has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards net zero emissions. The company has verified its short- and long-term science-based targets for reducing emissions with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), making it the largest global hospitality company to receive approval.  The SBTi is a global organization that promotes climate action by developing tools that enable businesses to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets based on empirical data. Marriott International has set a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions throughout its value chain by 2050, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and a greener future.