Business Travel News: April 2023

Airlines/Airports

Fly and earn Triple Points* with Virgin Australia!

Velocity Frequent Flyers can earn Triple Points on each one-way journey when you book an eligible Virgin Australia domestic flight between 1 April until 30 June 2023.* If you’re not already a member, you can join Velocity Frequent Flyer for free and enjoy this offer. Please note, this offer is exclusively for Corporate business travel and any bookings you make for personal travel won’t qualify for this bonus. Terms and conditions apply, click here to find out more.

Emirates increasing daily flights from Melbourne and Sydney

Following popular demand, Emirates has added a third Melbourne to Dubai daily connection. The Journey, which has a brief pitstop ins Singapore, will be flown on the airlines’ Boeing 777 which features eight private first-class suites and 42 lie-flat seats in business class. Emirates will add a third daily non-stop Sydney to Dubai service from 1 May, which will also operate on a Boeing 777 and join the existing double daily A830 flights.

Qantas resumes Melbourne to Tokyo connection

Following a three-year hiatus, Qantas has resumed its Melbourne-Tokyo connection, with four services scheduled weekly. Flown on the Airbus A330, services will arrive into Japan’s Haneda Airport where eligible frequent flyers can enjoy visiting Japan Airlines’ first class and Sakura business class lounges.

Delta to begin daily services between Auckland and Los Angeles

From 30 October, Delta will begin non-stop daily services between Auckland and Los Angeles. The services are seasonal, and scheduled to run until 29 February 2024.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club status extensions to December 2023

Qatar Airways’ has extended the validity of Privilege Club status through until 31 December 2023. Privilege Club members will enjoy an extra nine months of Platinum, Gold and Silver  status and perks.

Virgin Australia’s first Boeing 737 MAX jet to take to the skies in June

Virgin Australia is set to receive their first Boeing 737 MAX jet June, which will take to the skies on 28 June upon the launch of the airline’s new Cairns-Tokyo route. The new jet will feature a new business class and economy class seating, which is said to provide passengers with comfort and more leg room. Virgin Australia expects to have a fleet of four Boeing 737 MAX jets by the end of the year.

Philippine Airlines begins non-stop Perth to Manila service

Philippine Airlines has launched three weekly non-stop services from Perth to Manila, which reduces previous travel times by four to six hours. The seven hour flight will be travelled on the airlines’ A321neo aircraft, which features three rows of 2-2 comfortable business class seating.

Emirates reveals new livery for its fleet

Emirates has unveiled a new and modernised design for its distinctive livery. The refreshed design includes a more dynamic and flowing UAE flag with a 3D effect artwork on the Emirates tailfin, red-painted wingtips, and the Emirates logo in Arabic calligraphy that appears to “pop” out in reverse white. The existing Emirates fleet will gradually receive the refreshed livery throughout 2023, while all new aircraft will be delivered with the new design.

British Airways to upgrade their Boeing 787 Business Class suites

The latest Club Suites business class will be installed on British Airways’ fleet of Boeing 787s, with the first refurbished 787 Dreamliner set to be available for business class passengers at the end of October 2023. The Club Suites are known for offering exceptional comfort, personal space, and privacy.

Sydney Airport’s Priority Lane may reopen to top-tier frequent flyers

Following the resume of international travel, Sydney Airport’s Priority Lane was implemented exclusively for passengers travelling in first or business class. However, top-tier frequent flyers may soon be also able to ‘jump the queue’ and enjoy access to Sydney Airport’s Priority Lane, based on the airport’s ongoing discussions with airlines.

Hotels

Accor Pacific partners with Ecotourism Australia

Accor has entered into a strategic partnership with Ecotourism Australia to certify all its properties across Australia and the Pacific as Sustainable Tourism certified businesses. The evaluation process undertaken by Ecotourism Australia incorporates four pillars of sustainability, namely sustainable management, environmental impact, cultural impact, and socio-economic impact. Sustainability has become a significant priority for Accor, with the brand removing 43% single use plastic items from guest facing areas in over 80% of hotels throughout 2022 and committing to further the removal single use plastics throughout its properties in 2023.

Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne launches soft-opening

TFE Hotels has launched a soft opening of its new 106-room apartment-style Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge. Located in the historic Pentridge Prison precinct, this beautifully restored hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience for guests. The precinct also features nine bespoke conferencing and events venues, collectively known as Chapter Place, which will open in May. Guest can explore iconic destination and discover the magic of Melbourne’s past and present.

Ritz-Carlton Melbourne now open!

The highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has officially opened its doors, marking Marriott International’s 1000th hotel in the Asia-Pacific region. The 257-room hotel features a spa, three restaurants, a cocktail bar and a unique sky lobby on level 80 where guests can take in sweeping views of the Melbourne city skyline. Event planners will also be spoilt for choice, with the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne’s event venues spanning 2500sqm across two levels, including a grand ballroom, with 7m-high ceilings that can seat up to 550 guests.

Hotel TOTTO now welcoming guests

The Independent Collection by EVT has added another addition to their portfolio, with the opening of Hotel TOTTO. Located in Wollongong, this minimalistic 150-room hotel features a 24-hour reception, a Mediterranean inspired restaurant and bar, and onsite paid parking.

Le Méridien returns to Australia with the opening of its new Melbourne property

Le Méridien Melbourne has recently opened, signifying the brand’s return to Australia. The hotel boasts 235 guest rooms, including 14 spacious suites, as well as a rooftop pool and terrace. Additionally, the property features 420sqm of conference space. Located on a site originally built in the 1850s, the hotel has retained the original Art Deco facade. The hotel’s most spacious meeting area measures 182sqm and can be partitioned into two separate rooms. Additionally, there is a designated meetings floor with four more rooms and three private working booths available.

EVT opens The Capitol Hotel in Sydney

EVT has opened The Capitol Hotel in Sydney, which joins their Independent Collection portfolio. Located directly next to the Capitol theatre, this stylish hotel features 95 rooms, a 24 hour reception, self check-in kiosks and a Mediterranean inspired restaurant and bar.

Manly Pacific completes its transformation

Manly Pacific – MGallery has completed its two-year refurbishment, unveiling a sophisticated transformation. Bathed in natural light and decorated in a contemporary coastal style, the hotel’s 213 rooms and suites provide guests with a personal oasis. The hotel also offers nine dynamic function spaces that accommodate up to 550 guests.

 

Information on this page is sourced from third party sources. While effort is taken to verify the accuracy of this information, Corporate Travel Management (CTM) recommends that travellers seek independent advice and/or information from their CTM travel consultant, CTM travel tools, or direct from their chosen travel suppliers relating to the status of supplier services, schedules and booking conditions as information may change regularly.