Business Travel News: April 2024

Airlines/Airports

Rex and Etihad enter a new interline partnership

Rex has announced a new interline partnership with Etihad Airways, bringing new choices and connections for Rex passengers. Passengers flying on Rex to either Sydney or Melbourne will have the opportunity to connect on Etihad to a further 72 destinations globally. These destinations are throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the United States. Please click here to learn more.

Simplify your entry into the United States with Mobile Passport Control

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) mobile app helps to streamline the border control process at eligible US airports by completing a preclearance process including travel documentation, photo upload and customs declaration prior to arriving in the US. Upon arrival, travellers can select “Preclearance” as their mode of entry and may join a dedicated processing lane for final inspection by a CBP officer. Travellers who successfully use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper form and may experience shorter wait times, less congestion and efficient processing.

MPC is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved ESTA Visas. MPC is currently available across 50 sites, including 33 U.S. International Airports, 13 Preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. To learn more, click here.

Auckland Airport opens the ground floor of its new Transport Hub at the international terminal

Auckland Airport has officially unveiled the ground level of the Transport Hub within the international terminal, offering significantly more space and convenient undercover facilities. Travellers should note that adjustments have been made to the drop-off and pick-up area, which is now situated inside the Transport Hub. For those using taxi, rideshare, or shuttle services, directional signs and an undercover walkway lead to the new Transport Pick-Up Zone, positioned north of the Transport Hub. Additionally, Airport Valet services are available within the Transport Hub. Carparking at the international terminal remains unaffected, with the upper levels of the Transport Hub parking set to open in late 2024.

Singapore Airlines to add a third daily flight between Auckland and Singapore

Starting on 28 October, Singapore Airlines will offer three daily flights connecting Auckland and Singapore in response to the increased demand for this route. The third flight will operate on an A350 aircraft, adding 1700 extra seats per week. Departing Auckland at approximately 5 pm and arriving in Singapore in the late evening, this new service will offer convenient connections to the airline’s late-night flights to London.

Air New Zealand reveals new business class menu for long-range international flights

Air New Zealand has unveiled a new menu for Business Premier passengers onboard its long-range international flights. The new menu has been described as ‘A Taste of Aotearoa’, with dishes made from local ingredients and inspired by unique New Zealand flavours. A wine list will accompany the new menu, and Business Premier passengers can look forward to enjoying meals such as seared NZ snapper with escabeche vegetables, smoked mussels and white beans.

Qatar Airways introduces the first AI-powered digital flight attendant, Sama 2.0

Qatar Airways has introduced Sama 2.0, the first AI-powered digital flight attendant to assist travellers throughout their journey. Accessible through Qatar’s Qverse metaverse and the Qatar app, Sama 2.0 provides real-time assistance by answering travel-related queries about baggage, check-in procedures, guide travellers through airports and more.

British Airways introduces free WiFi messaging

As of 3 April. British Airways introduced free WiFi messaging on board flights for the British Airways Executive Club members. The service will be available on every WiFi-enabled aircraft by 16 April.

Thai Airways resumes services to Perth

Thai Airways International has resumed services to Perth, now operating daily direct flights between Bangkok and Western Australia. The flight spans a seven-hour journey onboard Thai Airway’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners fitted with Thai’s Royal Silk business class.

British Airways to introduce new website and mobile app

British Airways has announced several initiatives as part of its transformation plan over the next two years. More specifically, the airline has unveiled a renewed focus on ‘deeper personalisation’ reflected in the introduction of a new website and mobile app. The airline will also be investing in machine learning and AI with plans to improve operational processes such as booking, baggage handling and dispute resolution. To learn more, please click here.

Singapore Airlines celebrates 40 years connecting Brisbane and Singapore

Singapore Airlines marked a significant milestone on Sunday, 31 March, celebrating 40 years of connecting Brisbane with Singapore and beyond. The airline has been operating services between Australia’s ‘Sunshine State’ and Singapore since 1984, and this will continue to grow with the announcement of four more weekly services from August 2024. The addition of the new services will see a total of 25 return services each week between Brisbane and Singapore, with the potential to transport 787,800 passengers annually.

Air New Zealand celebrates 40 years of flying to Los Angeles

Air New Zealand has reached a significant milestone, celebrating 40 years of providing a direct link between New Zealand and Los Angeles. Over the course of four decades, the airline has conducted over 40,000 flights linking Auckland and LA, and has catered to over 12 million passengers on this route.

Qatar Airways reveals vision for ‘Qatar Airways 2.0’

Qatar Airways has announced its vision for Qatar Airways 2.0, which highlights innovation as a key factor in its roadmap towards success. The airline plans to introduce new product offerings in the coming months, including the launch of first-class cabins and revamped premium Qsuites.

Jetstar to begin flights between Melbourne (Avalon Airport) and Brisbane

Jetstar will launch daily flights between Melbourne’s Avalon Airport and Brisbane starting from 28 June. This new service will be the third destination added to Jetstar’s network out of Melbourne (Avalon) and marks the airline’s 100th domestic route.

Qantas expands frequent flyer program with ‘Classic Plus Flight Rewards’

Qantas has announced an expansion of its frequent flyer program through ‘Classic Plus Flight Rewards. This initiative offers members a new way to redeem their Qantas points for flight bookings, and it will add over 20 million seats to the program. The expansion makes travel to popular destinations like London, Tokyo, New York, and Singapore using Qantas Points easier. Classic Plus seats are now available for Qantas international flights departing from 1 July and will be fully implemented across all Qantas services by the end of 2024.

Hotels

Crystalbrook Collection coming to Canberra

Crystalbrook Collection will make its mark in Canberra with a new expansion! With doors expected to open in 2027, this luxurious hotel will feature 238 rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, a wellness centre, a ballroom along with several function spaces, an upscale ground-floor restaurant, a unique glass-bottom swimming pool, Day Spa, and Crystalbrook Collection’s distinctive, sustainable elements.

Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch opens its doors

Marriott International has opened the doors of the newly developed Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch, marking the brand’s debut in Western Australia. Situated within the vibrant Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, the 150-room hotel caters to Perth’s fastest-growing urban community. Conveniently positioned just 10 minutes from Perth CBD and 25 minutes from Perth International Airport, the hotel will serve the growing demand from healthcare professionals and visitors. The hotel boasts an inviting lobby for work and relaxation, a 24-hour fitness centre, and state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities. Among these amenities is the Dampiera Library, a tailored space ideal for small corporate gatherings and conferences.

IHG surpasses 1,000 properties in Asia-Pacific

IHG Hotels & Resorts has achieved a significant milestone in the Asia-Pacific region by opening more than 1,000 properties. Over the past year, IHG has welcomed guests to various new hotels under many of its its brands, such as Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, voco hotels, and Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts.

Ascott secures the Sydney Central hotel

The Ascott Limited has secured the 255-room Sydney Central hotel with plans to refurbish and rebrand it under the Citadines brand. Located just a short walk from Central Station, the hotel features a range of rooms, a restaurant and bar, a rooftop pool, a gym and 24/7 parking. Ascott plans to capitalise on this investment by adding a cafe and expanding the room count by 72 across eight floors. To learn more about the development plans, please click here.

Quest opens new-build hotel in Sutherland Shire

Quest has opened a new-build hotel as part of the billion-dollar Novm development in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. This 71-room hotel forms part of a precinct that includes a shopping centre, waterfront parklands and outdoor fitness zones with a children’s playground. It is strategically located minutes from Wanda and Elounera Beaches, with city accessibility via Woolooware Station. Please click here to learn more about the hotel.