Corporate Travel News: February 2025

Airlines/Airports

Jetstar unveils major upgrades to Boeing 787 fleet

Jetstar is giving its Boeing 787 Dreamliners a multi-million-dollar upgrade starting January 2026. The enhancements include an expanded 44-seat business class with premium recliners, upgraded economy seats with USB outlets, and satellite WiFi for streaming and connectivity. With new crew rest areas, the 787s will also be able to support new long-haul routes that may include India, the USA, and South Africa.

Air New Zealand welcomes its 30th ATR

Air New Zealand has expanded its regional fleet with the arrival of its 30th ATR, which entered service in mid-January. This latest addition enhances the airline’s ability to provide reliable and flexible connections across New Zealand, improving access to smaller domestic airports. With another ATR set to join the fleet in mid-2025, Air New Zealand continues to strengthen its regional network

Delta Air Lines to introduce Melbourne-Los Angeles service

Delta Air Lines is set to enhance trans-Pacific travel with its new direct Melbourne-Los Angeles service, launching 3 December. Operating three days a week on its Airbus A350, the seasonal service features premium Delta One private suites alongside a spacious Delta Premium Select economy cabin. Joining Qantas and United Airlines on this route, Delta will also offer seamless connections at LAX to over 40 major US cities.

Emirates’ Auckland lounge temporarily closed

Emirates’ Auckland Airport lounge is closed for an eight-week refurbishment, reopening in late March with updated tiling, lighting, and other enhancements. In the meantime, eligible passengers can use the Strata Lounge or Qantas lounges.

Emirates plans sliding-door suites for 777X business class

Emirates has announced plans to introduce sliding privacy doors to its business class suites on the upcoming Boeing 777X. Designed to elevate the premium travel experience, these enclosed suites build on Emirates’ legacy of innovation. While delays to the 777X project mean deliveries won’t begin until at least 2026, the airline is reviewing the designs to ensure they remain competitive with industry standards.

Auckland Airport sees international passenger growth

Auckland Airport has reached a major milestone, recording its highest international passenger numbers since the pandemic began. In December 2024, over 1 million international passengers passed through the airport, marking a 6% increase from the previous year and a recovery to 93% of the pre-COVID equivalent.

United Airlines’ fleet grows to 1,000 planes

United Airlines has reached a major milestone with the delivery of its 1,000th aircraft, solidifying its position as the world’s largest airline by fleet size. The new Boeing 737 MAX 9 enhances United’s capacity and network, supporting the introduction of new international destinations.

Emirates exploring new economy seat

Emirates is set to revolutionise long-haul economy travel with a new prototype seat designed to address passenger comfort on flights lasting 16+ hours. Focused on improving pitch, recline, and ergonomic design, the airline is leveraging modern technology and seat geometry to create a more comfortable experience. While challenges remain in meeting air safety regulations, this innovation could set a new standard for economy travel.

Virgin Australia crowned Australia’s most punctual airline for December

Virgin Australia was named Australia’s most punctual major airline in December 2024, with a 74.7% on-time departure rate and a 99.4% flight completion rate, according to BITRE data. The airline also set a record, flying 1.925 million passengers across its network, the highest December in its history.

Air Canada reveals new business class plans

Air Canada is set to introduce a next-generation business class on its Boeing 787-10 fleet from 2026, featuring new ‘business plus’ suites in the first row of its Signature Class cabin. These upgraded suites will offer more space, enhanced privacy, and premium features such as personal wardrobes and larger screens. The redesign is part of Air Canada’s strategy to enhance its premium offering, aligning with other global airlines that have introduced similar elevated business class experiences.

Thai Airways new A320 business class

Thai Airways is elevating regional business travel with the launch of its A320 Royal Silk business class. Featuring 12 wide recliners with a 38” pitch, the refreshed cabin offers enhanced comfort on domestic and select international routes across Asia. While the A320s lack built-in video screens, passengers can stream entertainment via Thai Vision Connect on their own devices. Expect gourmet meals, a curated beverage selection, and amenity kits on flights over 3.5 hours, with the full rollout across all 20 aircraft set for mid-year.

Virgin Australia crowned World’s Best Cabin Crew

Virgin Australia has been awarded World’s Best Cabin Crew for the seventh year in a row at the AirlineRatings.com 2025 Airline Excellence Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates the airline’s exceptional service, passenger comfort, and commitment to innovation. Additionally, Virgin Australia secured third place in the newly introduced Hybrid Airlines category, while its regional arm, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA), was named World’s Best Regional Airline for the second consecutive year.

Thai Airways reintroduce premium economy class

Business travellers flying between Bangkok and key destinations in Japan and India now have a new premium economy option with Thai Airways. The airline has introduced premium economy on two leased Airbus A330-300 aircraft, featuring a 2-3-2 seat configuration for added comfort. While currently limited to select routes, this marks the first time Thai Airways has offered premium economy since retiring its A340 fleet.

UK Government supports third runway at Heathrow Airport

The UK government has backed Heathrow’s third runway, aiming to enhance global connectivity and solidify the UK as a leading business hub. The expansion promises increased flight capacity, improved resilience, and greater competition for airlines and travellers.

Hotels

The newly refurbished Rydges Australia square

EVT Hotels & Resorts has completed its transformation of the Tank Stream Hotel into the Rydges Australia Square following a major refurbishment. This transformation has seen all 280 guest rooms revitalised, new check-in kiosks in the lobby area, and upgraded facilities such as the Poco Local Wine bar which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The event and conference facilities were also expanded with the introduction of a newly built Executive Boardroom space, catering for up to 14 and private dining for up to 25.

Atura Wellington showcases revamped rooms

Atura Wellington has unveiled its newly refurbished guest rooms, enhancing its offering for business travellers seeking comfort and convenience in the heart of Thorndon. Following a full refurbishment of its public spaces, all 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded with modern touches, including new carpet, fresh paint in Atura’s signature colours, Dyson fans, and premium Sleepyhead beds.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Macquarie Park Opens

Crowne Plaza Sydney Macquarie Park has officially opened, marking the first phase of its transition from Courtyard by Marriott, Sydney North-Ryde. The hotel now features refreshed public spaces, upgraded conference and dining facilities, and enhanced in-room technology, catering to business and leisure travellers alike. A second phase of refurbishments is set to begin soon, with a full transformation of public areas and guest rooms to align with Crowne Plaza’s global standards. Conveniently located near key business hubs and the new Metro line, the hotel offers seamless connectivity to Sydney’s CBD and beyond.

Accor launches The Sebel Melbourne Kew

Accor has expanded its premium apartment hotel brand with the launch of The Sebel Melbourne Kew, its ninth Victorian property and 35th in Australia and New Zealand. Located just 6km from Melbourne’s CBD, the hotel offers 89 rooms, catering to executive travellers, long stays, and corporate events. A planned refurbishment will enhance the lobby and reception, with future upgrades to accommodation.

Crowne Plaza Geelong on track for early 2026 opening

The $120 million Crowne Plaza Geelong, part of Geelong’s $449 million convention centre precinct, has topped out and is on track to open in early 2026. Located alongside the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, which will feature a 1,000-seat theatre and nearly 2,000m² of exhibition space, the 200-room hotel will offer a world-class experience for visitors. Highlights include a public rooftop bar with stunning waterfront views, adding to the precinct’s appeal as a hub for business events and tourism.

 

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