Corporate Travel News: November 2024

Airlines/Airports

Virgin Australia’s branded fares changes

Virgin Australia has made significant changes to its fare structure, giving passengers greater flexibility and choice. This will see dynamic pricing introduced for VA’s Flex fares and more fare types made available for Economy passengers. CTM’s Lightning is one of the only Online Booking Tools (OBT) in market that can support VA’s new fares with no lost booking or post-booking functionality.

Piloting begins for the new Australia Travel Declaration

The new Australia Travel Declaration is now available on selected Qantas flights between New Zealand and Australia. In the coming months, this trial will be extended to other international routes. Rather than complete a paper declaration, passengers will be able to fill out the Digital ATD within 3 days of departure. Upon arrival, the system will generate a QR code which can be presented to Border Force officers.

Air New Zealand to retrofit its Dreamliner jets

Air New Zealand has begun upgrading its Boeing 787-9 fleet, with the first of fourteen aircraft arriving in Singapore for a major retrofit. This plane will undergo modifications at ST Engineering, where its current interior will be stripped out and replaced with new products. These updates will include revamped seats in both Economy and Premium Economy classes, as well as a redesigned Business Premier cabin. With these changes, Air New Zealand will become the first airline globally to retrofit this aircraft from nose to tail.

Qantas to boost its international network

Qantas is expanding its international network by adding new aircraft and a new destination, as well as making various schedule changes to better utilise its fleet. The airline will be adding over 220,000 additional seats across its international network. This includes the introduction of a Darwin to Singapore route in March and adding a 787 aircraft to the Brisbane to Auckland service. A summary of network changes is available on the Qantas News Room.

Singapore Airlines new A350 first and business class

Due to delays in the arrival of Singapore Airlines’ next-gen Boeing 777-9 fleet, the airline will now upgrade its A350s with the new 777X first and business class. In early teasers, it is clear that these new and improved suites will be spacious with electronic blinds, a large video screen and high-end finishes such as slat shutter doors. Click here to see the teaser for yourself.

Emirates returns to Adelaide

From 28 October, Emirates will recommence its Adelaide service, connecting Australians with the airline’s Dubai Hub and the rest of the world. This service will operate on a long-range Boeing 777-200LR which includes 38 flatbed business class seats and 264 economy recliners. To view the schedule for this new service, click here.

Singapore Airlines increase its Adelaide services

Singapore Airlines has expanded its service between Singapore and Adelaide, now offering ten flights per week instead of its previous daily flights. These services will depart Adelaide on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, using the airline’s Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners.

Qatar Airways to introduce fast, free WiFi to Australia

Qatar Airways will bring fast, free WiFi to Australia before the end of the year with its new Starlink partnership. Initially, the airline will roll out this technology on a dozen of its 777 aircraft, before expanding to the entire fleet within the next 12 months.

Thai Airways to introduce premium economy

Thai Airways has announced that it is looking to launch a premium economy offering amidst demand for greater inflight comfort without the higher price tag. It is anticipated that this offering will be introduced to the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER jets, debuting alongside upgrades to the first, business and economy classes. To learn more about the early details, click here.

Europe to introduce ETIAS online visa waiver system

From next year, travellers to Europe will need to submit an online application through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to enter some 30 European countries. The electronic travel authorisation will cost $11.50 for travellers aged between 18 to 70, and be valid for a three year period. To learn more about what countries will require an ETIAS to visit, click here.

Hong Kong scraps arrival cards

As of 16 October, Hong Kong scrapped the use of physical arrival cards through its immigration clearance points. This move is at odds with many other countries such as New Zealand and Singapore which are pushing towards mandatory digital arrival cards.

Australians to soon require a travel permit when visiting Thailand

Australians and travellers from 92 other visa-exempt countries heading to Thailand will soon be required to submit an ‘electronic travel authorisation‘ (ETA) ahead of their flight. The ETA will be mandatory for visitors partaking in visa-free travel, with its pilot phase beginning before the end of the year and its full launch anticipated by June 2025. Applications for the ETA will be submitted through the Thai Government’s online e-Visa website.

Qatar Airways celebrates 15 years of servicing Australia with local menu changes

To celebrate 15 years of servicing Australia, Qatar Airways has introduced a special, locally-focused menu for business and first class travellers. This new menu features distinct native flavours with fresh, local ingredients and will be available from now until 15 December this year. Some of the highlight dishes include Tasmanian mountain pepper with Gippsland beef tenderloin and Northern tablelands strawberry gum compote with apple cream cake.

Hotels

Auckland Airport’s new Transport Hub opens

Auckland Airport has completed the development of its new and improved Transport Hub, which replaces the old asphalt car park that opened in 1977. This upgraded parking facility provides a variety of options right at the airport’s doorstep, featuring over 2,000 covered car parks. To learn more about the short-stay and valet parking options, click here.

Perth Airport and Accor to partner for new airport hotel

Perth Airport has announced a partnership with Accor to launch an airport hotel under the Pullman Hotels & Resorts brand. Slated to open in 2027, the Pullman Perth Airport will offer 240 rooms and suites with a rooftop restaurant and bar, gymnasium, meeting facilities and much more. The hotel’s design will reflect the region’s unique beauty and adopt materials and forms inspired by its iconic landscapes.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth to undergo $70 million refurbishment

Sydney’s iconic Sydney Sofitel Wentworth has undergone a $70 million refurbishment bringing to life the hotel’s storied past, just in time for the diamond jubilee of the Sofitel brand’s global presence. Central to this refurbishment is the hotel’s partnership with hospital group, House Made Hospitality, which has helped redefine the food and beverage offerings with two signature restaurants and bars. This renovation will see the building’s original post-war minimalist design respected while the grand entrance and rooms will be refreshed.

Pan Pacific Perth reveals new convention floor

Pan Pacific Perth has unveiled a newly refurbished convention floor, becoming the largest event space in Perth’s CBD. The new convention floor spans an impressive 2,500 sqm and offers superb flexibility, catering for intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences. The key event spaces include The Grand River Ballroom, offering expansive views of the Swan River and capacity for up to 600 guests, and The Pilbara Room, filled with natural light and reconnecting guests with the region’s outdoor beauty.