Corporate Travel News: January 2025

Airlines/Airports

Safety takes flight with ANZ airlines leading the world in 2025 rankings

AirlineRatings.com has released its Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2025, with Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Virgin Australia securing positions #1, #2, and #4, respectively. This recognition underscores the ANZ region’s exceptional dedication to safety, pilot training, and fleet management. These airlines continue to set global benchmarks in aviation safety standards. Click here to see the complete list.

New UK entry rules go live

Travellers to the UK now have to apply for a special travel permit and pay a £10 ($20 AUD) fee before entering England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. This travel permit is known as an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a digital visa-waiver that applies to most countries outside Europe such as Australia and New Zealand. You can apply for the UK ETA well in advance of your trip through the UK Government website or the UK ETA app.

Australian passport fee increase

As of 1 January, Australians must now pay $412 for new or renewed passports. This represents an annual indexed increase, helping to cover the cost of producing Australia’s secure ‘R series’ passports. Take a look at the new features of Australia’s latest passports.

Air New Zealand boosts bag tracking

Last month, Air New Zealand went live with Apple’s ‘Find My’ Share Item Location feature, enabling both travellers and the airline to track baggage. This allows travellers who put an AirTag or ‘Find My’ network accessory in their bag to use Apple’s ‘Find My’ app to generate and share a live location link with the airline’s customer service team. This offers extra reassurance when dealing with delayed or mishandled baggage.

US Global Entry goes live for Australians

From this month, Australian travellers will be able to apply for the US Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs, helping to gain access to fast-track customs and security lanes in international and domestic US airports. Global Entry is their international ‘trusted traveller’ program for pre-approved flyers, meanwhile, the TSA PreCheck is the equivalent program for domestic US flights. Click here to learn more about Australia’s Global Entry trial and the associated costs.

Qatar Airways returns to Canberra in 2025

Qatar Airways will resume flights to Canberra by the end of 2025. The service will connect the ACT to Doha and beyond via a daily Melbourne-Doha route, operated by a Boeing 777. This follows a similar arrangement to the airline’s previous Canberra services, which ceased in 2020.

Singapore Airlines to increase its Brisbane services

Starting 16 June, Singapore Airlines is returning to pre-pandemic service levels with its fourth daily Brisbane-Singapore flight. This will increase the airline’s Brisbane services from 25 to 28 per week using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, a milestone for business travel and Queensland’s connectivity. The schedule for the additional services can be viewed here.

Emirates’ new 777 business class touches down in Australia

Emirates is boosting its Melbourne-Dubai route with a third daily flight, introducing passengers to the Australian debut of its latest Boeing 777 business class. Featuring a private 1-2-1 layout, fully lie-flat beds, and 20.7” wide seats, this new direct service offers seamless connectivity to mid-morning departures across Europe, the UK, and Africa.

Expansion plans for Melbourne Airport’s international terminal

With international passenger numbers at record highs and seat capacity now 113% of pre-pandemic levels, Melbourne Airport is planning a major expansion of its T2 international terminal. New gates, expanded check-in and baggage facilities, and a $500M baggage system upgrade are just some of the upgrades in the works to ease congestion and support growing demand. Click here to learn more.

Hobart Airport eyes significant growth

Hobart Airport is positioning itself for significant growth, with Singapore and Hong Kong emerging as potential new destinations on its departures board. A newly announced $5 million Aviation Fund, coupled with a $130 million runway upgrade designed to accommodate larger long-range aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, aims to attract direct flights to Asia with the likes of Singapore Airlines and expansion of seasonal routes like Air New Zealand’s Hobart-Auckland service. To learn more about these developments, click here.

Jetstar expands with new routes

Jetstar is enhancing its network with two exciting new routes. Jetstar’s first-ever year-round route between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast has begun operating three times weekly using the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft. This service will provide travellers with more than 58,000 seats annually across the Tasman. Meanwhile, direct flights from Brisbane to Bangkok are back after almost five years, offering three weekly Dreamliner services to Thailand’s capital.

Air Canada teases new Boeing 787 business class

Air Canada is currently working on its next-generation business class for its Boeing 787 aircraft, set to arrive in 2026. This will see the front of the cabin equipped with spacious ‘business plus’ suites, offering passengers added privacy, space and features. To learn more about this product and similar offerings from other airlines, click here.

United Airlines to expedite Starlink WiFi rollout

After announcing an agreement with Starlink in September last year, United Airlines is accelerating its plan to introduce Starlink WiFi on its fleet. By the end of 2025, its entire regional fleet will be fitted and so will its first mainline aircraft. MileagePlus customers will enjoy free access with gate-to-gate connectivity and access to live streaming.

Air Canada introduces free WiFi

Beginning in May 2025, Air Canada will introduce free inflight WiFi for members of its Aeroplan loyalty program. This will roll out initially on Canada and US routes before becoming available on long-range international flights in 2026.

Hotels

Introducing Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport welcomes its first Crowne Plaza hotel, following the transformation of the former Holiday Inn. This 252-room property is undergoing a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, featuring redesigned guest rooms, updated meeting facilities, and enhanced dining options. Designed by Slack Studio, the revamped spaces cater to modern business and leisure travellers, setting a new standard for airport accommodations in Australia.

Hotel Indigo Auckland opens its doors

On 23 December, Hotel Indigo Auckland had a soft opening of 54 rooms after three years in the making. It is expected that the 225-room hotel will fully open by April this year. The property’s rich history is reflected in the hotel’s design, retaining the original 1912 heritage-listed facade, along with artwork and amenities. It’s dining venues which include a French-inspired bistro bar and a cocktail bar and lounge are anticipated to open from March onwards.

Minor Hotels signs with Queen’s Wharf Residences

Minor Hotels has signed the management letting rights for the landmark 64-storey Queen’s Wharf Residences development, the tallest tower within the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct. The property will feature carefully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartments equipped with balconies and winter gardens. Guests will have exclusive access to a range of luxury amenities such as a pool, spa, and theatre, along with the precinct’s unique entertainment options.

Atura Wellington unveils its refurbished rooms

Adelaide welcomes Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes

IHG‘s Adelaide portfolio has expanded with the December opening of Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes, a 155-room hotel forming part of a new seven-storey precinct. This new property features design-led guestrooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and four purpose-built conference and event spaces.

Armidale’s Alluna Motel set for transformation

Alluna Motel in Armidale is undergoing a major transformation as it joins Choice Hotels Asia-Pac’s upscale Ascend Hotel Collection. After extensive renovations beginning in early 2025, the motel will reopen as a stylish boutique retreat, offering a wellness centre and bathhouse for both locals and visitors.