Corporate Travel News: December 2025

 

Airlines/Airports

Air New Zealand unveils Koru loyalty program and adds Black tier

Air New Zealand will relaunch its loyalty program, Koru, in April 2026, featuring five tiers from Bronze to Koru Black. Lounges will be refreshed, including the premium Koru Premier Lounge for Platinum and Black members. Koru Black offers extra upgrades, Recognition Upgrade vouchers, nominee access, and free same-day domestic flight changes. Other updates include bonus Status Points, Top-Ups, expanded rewards, and discounted flights, while lifetime membership is under consideration.

Virgin and Qantas ban in-flight power bank use

Australian airlines will ban the use of power banks on flights starting in December 2025. Virgin Australia (Dec 1) and Qantas, QantasLink, and Jetstar (Dec 15) passengers cannot use or charge power banks in-flight; they must remain in carry-on bags or seat pockets. Each passenger may carry up to two power banks (Virgin: 100Wh; Qantas: 160Wh), with larger packs needing approval. Intelligent bag batteries must be removed. The ban addresses safety risks from lithium-ion batteries, while USB outlets on most planes reduce the need for personal chargers.

Air New Zealand to launch seasonal Queenstown–Brisbane flights

Air New Zealand will launch a new seasonal non-stop service between Queenstown and Brisbane from 22 June to 23 October 2026, operating three times a week with A320neo aircraft and offering over 17,000 seats. The route provides a convenient link for Australians visiting Queenstown and for New Zealanders heading to Brisbane.

Qantas to open new Hobart Club lounge

Qantas will open a new Qantas Club lounge in Hobart next year, expanding capacity from 96 to around 150 seats. The lounge, inspired by the Tasmanian landscape, will feature modern design, upgraded buffet dining with local produce, plenty of AC and USB outlets, and runway views. It follows the style of Qantas’ Adelaide Club and the new Sydney International Business Lounge. The lounge is part of a terminal redevelopment, and Qantas Club fees will rise from 11 December 2025.

Qantas debuts A321XLR on the Brisbane–Sydney route

Qantas has launched its Airbus A321XLR on the Brisbane–Sydney route, becoming the first in the Asia Pacific to operate the aircraft. The A321XLR offers a longer, wider cabin, larger windows, fast Wi-Fi, 60% more baggage space, and reduced carbon emissions per seat. Seating 197 passengers, it can fly up to 8,700 km, supporting new domestic and short-to medium-haul international routes.

Qantas introduces enhanced Economy Plus

From February 2026, Qantas will offer Economy Plus on domestic and short-haul international flights, providing extra legroom, priority boarding, and access to overhead bins. Available on Boeing 737, Airbus A321XLR, and A220 aircraft, the cabin will feature 20–48 seats with 34–52 inches of legroom. Platinum members can select seats for free, while Gold members gain access at check-in.

QantasLink A220 upgrades regional travel

The QantasLink A220 is modernising the regional fleet, replacing the Boeing 717 and expanding to New Zealand in early 2026. The 127-seat economy cabin has a 2-3 layout, reducing middle seats, with extra legroom available in select rows. Passengers have access to USB and AC power, smartphone/tablet holders, and fast, free Wi-Fi. The cabin feels bright, quiet, and spacious, though it lacks seatback entertainment screens. Economy Plus will include priority boarding and access to overhead luggage storage for extra-legroom seats.

Virgin Australia replaces Premium Entry with Priority Screening lanes

Virgin Australia is closing its Premium Entry lanes at Sydney (permanent) and Brisbane (temporary) and replacing them with Priority Screening lanes from 15 December 2025. The new lanes, with extended hours and upgraded technology, will serve business-class passengers, Velocity elites, Lifetime Lounge members, and high-tier partner airline frequent flyers. Sydney and Melbourne lanes will run 5 am–10 am & 2 pm–7 pm weekdays, while Brisbane and Perth lanes will be open all day, ensuring faster access to security for eligible travellers.

China extends visa-free travel for Australians

China has extended its visa-free travel for Australians until the end of 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. The arrangement saves travellers around $100 and avoids in-person visa appointments. Visa-free transit of up to ten days is available in 60 major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Between July 2024 and June 2025, 653,000 Australians visited China, up 25% from the previous year.

Qantas resumes Sydney–Port Moresby flights

Qantas will restart Sydney–Port Moresby flights in March 2026, operating twice weekly on Boeing 737s. The route, previously suspended in early 2025 due to low demand and fleet constraints, returns to meet growing business, leisure, and PNG NRL travel demand, supporting weekend match travel for the new team, The Chiefs. The service complements daily Brisbane flights and operates without government funding. Aircraft will feature business and economy seating, with Economy Plus added as the fleet is upgraded.

Singapore Airlines to boost in-flight Wi-Fi with Starlink

Singapore Airlines plans to adopt Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity, likely via Starlink, to significantly boost in-flight Wi-Fi speeds from 5–10 Mbps to 100–150 Mbps. The technology will initially be factory-fitted on Boeing 777-9 jets expected in 2027, with Airbus A350S and other aircraft receiving antenna upgrades during routine maintenance. Starlink offers free Wi-Fi to all passengers, potentially expanding access beyond the current KrisFlyer member-only model.

Virgin Australia updates business class menu

Virgin Australia has refreshed its business class menu with simple, modern dishes highlighting seasonal Australian ingredients and bold flavours. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served consistently according to flight times, with options ranging from French toast and eggs benedict to salads, pasta, and stir-fries. Economy passengers can enjoy buy-on-board snacks like Tim Tams, Byron Bay cookies, wraps, and toasties. Premium cocktails and drinks are also available in both cabins.

Qantas Points are now available on Jetstar with a QF Extra subscription

Qantas travellers can now earn Qantas Points and Status Credits on all Jetstar fares, including Starter, by subscribing to the Qantas Frequent Flyer Extra package, which costs over $250 per year with Club Jetstar membership. The subscription adds bonus points and Status Credits, capped at 75 per year, making it more helpful in topping up status. From February 2026, Jetstar International 787 passengers can also use Qantas Points for business class upgrades.

Qantas to launch Economy Plus and upgraded A330 seats in 2026

Qantas will roll out Economy Plus on its international A330 flights to Asia in 2026, offering extra legroom, priority boarding and priority overhead bin access, with free access for Platinum and Platinum One members (and for Gold at T-24). The airline is also upgrading its A330s with new long-haul-ready economy seats featuring improved cushioning, more knee room, 13.3” 4K screens, Bluetooth headphone pairing, USB-C fast charging and free high-speed Wi-Fi.

Qantas’ final A380 returns as an operational spare

Qantas’s last stored A380 will return next week, six years after the fleet was grounded, serving as an operational spare rather than re-entering regular service immediately. The aircraft features refreshed business and premium economy cabins, an updated in-flight lounge, and continues to fly key long-haul routes like Sydney–Singapore–London and Los Angeles. Only ten of the original 12 A380s remain, with the whole fleet planned to operate until early next decade before being replaced by the A350-1000 Airbus.

Singapore Airlines to open new Melbourne lounge

Singapore Airlines will relocate and expand its SilverKris Lounge at Melbourne Airport, moving from the basement to a larger upper-level space in Terminal 2. Opening in late 2026 or early 2027, the lounge will be around 30% bigger and feature the airline’s “Home Away from Home” design, with live cooking stations, a tended bar, productivity pods, dedicated dining and relaxation areas, and extensive AC/USB charging. It will serve premium passengers, Star Alliance partners, and eligible frequent flyers, alongside new A350 business and first-class suites.

Qantas and Jetstar expand Australia–India services

Qantas and Jetstar are boosting their presence in India with new and upgraded aircraft. Qantas currently flies Sydney–Bengaluru and Melbourne–Delhi on A330s, but A350-1000s (2027–28) and available 787s will allow better long-haul operations. Perth–India flights are planned on A321XLRs from 2028, offering lie-flat business beds, while Jetstar’s upgraded 787s (from 2026) will provide long-range flights with Wi-Fi and business/economy seating. The airlines will use a dual-brand strategy: Jetstar for budget travellers, Qantas for premium passengers.

Can you bring friends and family into Qantas, Virgin lounges?

Qantas allows business class travellers to bring one guest, while Platinum and Platinum One members can host two, with additional children also permitted. Virgin Australia is more restrictive, as business class alone doesn’t include guest access; only Velocity Gold, Platinum or paid lounge members can bring guests. Velocity Platinum travellers can host three adults and three children, while Gold members and lounge users may bring one adult and three children, with additional guests paying $65 each.

Qantas enhances first class with new amenities and dining

Qantas is elevating its first-class experience with a series of upgrades aimed at strengthening its premium offering. New Aesop amenity kits are now onboard the A380, featuring luxury skincare and fragrance products. Over the next six months, first-class travellers will also see the rollout of dine-on-demand service and a refreshed Neil Perry menu, along with a new selection of premium champagne. Redesigned pyjamas complete the update, which Qantas says reflects its continued investment in delivering a high-quality experience across its international network.

Qantas First lounges offer private work and family suites

The Qantas First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne each offer two private suites that guests can book for free, providing a quiet space for work or calls with full lounge dining available. Usually used by VIPs but open to any eligible guest when available, the suites include a desk, iMac, printer, and seating area and can also be used as family rooms. First-class travellers can reserve in advance, while others book on arrival.

Emirates debuts A350 and Premium Economy in Adelaide

Emirates has launched its ultra-long-range A350 and Premium Economy cabin in Adelaide, offering enhanced comfort, advanced technology, and seamless connections to Europe. Daily flights also support local trade, while the airline continues community initiatives like the Force for Good program, which benefited over 2,000 disadvantaged children in 2025.

How to get an Emirates status match

Emirates doesn’t offer a public status match, but travellers can request one via live chat, with decisions made on a case-by-case basis. Instead of an instant upgrade, Emirates usually offers a status challenge that requires you to hold elite status already elsewhere and complete qualifying paid flights within 12 months. Most reports suggest that one return trip in business or first class, or two in economy, is enough to unlock a one-tier upgrade in Skywards.

Qantas to restart Sydney–Port Moresby flights in 2026

Qantas will resume Sydney–Port Moresby flights from March 2026, operating twice weekly on Boeing 737 aircraft to support growing travel linked to Papua New Guinea’s entry into Australia’s premier rugby league and rising business and leisure demand. The service adds nearly 35,000 seats annually, complementing Qantas’ existing Brisbane-Port Moresby flights, and strengthens connectivity between the two countries for fans, businesses, and communities.

Qantas delays complete move of Tokyo flights to Haneda

Qantas has paused plans to shift all its Tokyo flights to Haneda, so Melbourne and Brisbane services will continue operating from Narita. The airline says the available Haneda slot times were too restrictive, including a very early departure and extended aircraft downtime. Qantas still hopes to move to Haneda fully in the future if more suitable slots become available.

Qantas Frequent Flyers earn points at Lotte Duty Free

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now earn 1 point per dollar spent at the newly reopened Lotte Duty Free Arrivals store at Melbourne Airport and on eligible online orders. Points are earned by entering a Frequent Flyer number at checkout, with online orders accepted from 60 days before travel up to 24 hours before departure. The store offers a refreshed shopping experience across liquor, beauty, fashion, and accessories, continuing Lotte Duty Free’s year-round partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer.

Singapore to implement sustainable fuel levy on departing flights

Starting April 2026, Singapore will introduce a sustainable aviation fuel levy on departing flights, ranging from SGD $1 to $10.40 for economy and up to SGD $41.60 for premium cabins, depending on the destination. The levy will fund the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel and is calculated based on projected SAF needs and costs. It applies only to passengers starting their journey in Singapore, with exemptions for transit passengers and certain through-flights, including Qantas and British Airways Kangaroo Routes.

Air New Zealand launches Brisbane–Houston service via Auckland

Air New Zealand connects Brisbane to Houston via Auckland, offering seamless transfers without the need to collect luggage. Economy passengers benefit from warm Kiwi service, seatback entertainment, Wi-Fi, USB and power outlets, and quality meals including options for special diets. The route is competitively priced from around AUD$1,223 return, providing a comfortable and convenient way to travel to Houston.

Virgin Australia to expand pets in cabin service

Virgin Australia plans to expand its Pets in Cabin service nationally next year after sold-out trial flights on Melbourne–Sunshine Coast and Melbourne–Gold Coast routes. The service allows up to four pets per economy flight, with strict carrier requirements, and has operated smoothly with no complaints from other passengers. CMO Libby Minogue cited strong demand from travellers wanting to take pets on holiday and avoid kennel costs.

 

Hotels

Hilton is offering a status match promotion that lets eligible travellers fast-track

Hilton Honours Gold or Diamond status, unlocking perks like complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and lounge access. Applicants must hold equivalent status with another hotel loyalty program. Successful matches get 90 days of Gold status, which can be extended to March 2027 by staying 8 nights for Gold or 14 nights for Diamond within that period. Benefits include bonus points, premium WiFi, and the ability to gift Gold status for Diamond members, providing a quicker route than the usual 28 or 42 nights required.

IHG and ALAND open voco Gosford on the NSW Central Coast

IHG Hotels & Resorts and ALAND have officially opened voco Gosford, a 130-room upscale lifestyle hotel in the heart of The Archibald precinct on the NSW Central Coast. Featuring a rooftop pool with a swim-up bar, six dining and bar venues, and extensive event facilities, the hotel aims to bring a fresh, contemporary experience to the region. Located just an hour north of Sydney, voco Gosford adds a new landmark to the city and forms part of IHG’s growing Australian portfolio, offering guests the benefits of IHG One Rewards.

EVT Limited launches EVT Connect Hospitality after Pro-invest Hotels acquisition

EVT Limited has launched EVT Connect Hospitality following its acquisition of Pro-invest Hotels, strengthening its position as the second-largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand with over 100 hotels and resorts. The platform includes 15 long-term management agreements across brands such as Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton Margot Sydney, Sebel Canberra, and Voco Auckland. EVT Connect Hospitality aims to enhance third-party hotel performance by leveraging the group’s local expertise, with Troy Cuthbertson appointed as General Manager of Operations.

Accor and Table For launch El Vista, a Latin-inspired bar at Pullman Sydney

Accor’s Table For group has launched El Vista, a Latin-inspired bar and lounge led by celebrated chef Giovanni Pilu, opening today at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour and replacing the hotel’s previous bar, Hacienda. This is the second collaboration between Table For and The Maybe Group, following outlets like Flaminia and Bar Allora. El Vista offers a Latin-inspired menu with coastal Mexican and South American dishes, paired with music, cocktails, and Sydney Harbour views that capture the vibrant spirit of 1960s Acapulco.

Accor welcomes Ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank

Trilogy Hotels has taken over management of the 162-room Ink Hotel Melbourne Southbank, rebranding it as Ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank under an Accor franchise. Marking Trilogy’s first Melbourne property, the hotel features a restaurant, coffee shop, bar, and 24-hour front desk. The rebrand aims to deliver strong operations, engaging guest experiences, and career opportunities, while expanding Accor’s playful ibis Styles presence in Southbank.

Missoni x Crown Sydney Resort Club debuts as Italian-inspired summer oasis

The Missoni x Crown Sydney Resort Club has launched for summer, transforming the Crown Sydney infinity pool deck into a luxurious Italian-inspired oasis. Running until the end of February 2026, the activation features redesigned daybeds, cabanas, and décor with Missoni’s signature motifs, alongside a showcase of the brand’s latest resort and swimwear collections. This marks Missoni’s first collaboration with an Australian venue, bringing a bold new energy to Sydney’s summer social scene.

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