Corporate Travel News: July 2023

Airlines/Airports

Qantas reveals the entire A350 Cabin Design

The cabin design for the Airbus A350, which will fly non-stop from Sydney to New York and London starting in late 2025, has been revealed by Qantas as part of their ‘Project Sunrise.’ In February, the First and Business Cabins were showcased but now the rest of the aircraft’s interior has now been unveiled. This includes a world-first Wellbeing Zone, along with Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Click here to see photos of the new cabin design.

Virgin Australia’s first Boeing 737 MAX touches down in Australia

After making its way across the Pacific, Virgin Australia’s first Boeing 737 MAX has arrived in Australia. Named ‘Monkey Mia’ after one of Australia’s beautiful far northwest beaches, the aircraft arrived just two days after the highly-anticipated Cairns-Tokyo launch, the route that the MAX was touted to take over. Over the coming years, as the MAX fleet grows, it will be introduced to a series of domestic and short-range international flights including Bali and Fiji.

Air New Zealand invest in local sustainable aviation fuel

Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Government have recently invested NZ$2 million to explore the potential for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in New Zealand. SAF is derived from sustainable feedstock, such as used cooking oil and agricultural waste, and has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% throughout its lifecycle. This investment is crucial in helping to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.

New Zealand Traveller Declaration form

From July 2023, travellers arriving at select New Zealand international airports will be able to complete an online declaration form. Previously, travellers were required to fill in a paper Passenger Arrival Card onboard their flight to New Zealand. While this will continue to be accepted for a period of time, it is anticipated that the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) form will modernise the NZ border, improving safety and security. Click here to find out more.

Virgin Australia and Boeing partner to collaborate on decarbonisation, equality and inclusiveness

Virgin Australia has made a significant commitment to support the aviation industry’s carbon targets by signing a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) with Boeing. The agreement will also prioritise the development of clean energy supply chains and create more opportunities for Australia’s First Nations people, women, and individuals with disabilities within the aviation industry.

Qantas’ ‘Neighbour Free’ seating expanding to international flights

After being rolled out across 130 domestic Qantas routes, Qantas’ ‘Neighbour Free’ seating option is now in the works for international flights. While the pricing is still yet revealed, it can be anticipated that it will mirror the pricing structure on domestic flights. Click here to find out how this system works.

Jetstar adds various flights between Brisbane and international destinations

A new deal between Brisbane Airport and Jetstar has added an additional half a million low-fare seats between Brisbane and international destinations including Tokyo, Auckland, Osaka, Seoul and Bali. Click here to find out the schedule of these changes.

Qantas to resume New York flights

Qantas has begun resuming flights every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday from Sydney to New York after more than a three-year absence from the Big Apple. In particular, they have announced that the QF3 aircraft will make a stopover in Auckland instead of Los Angeles, as part of the prelude to their non-stop “Project Sunrise” flights from Sydney and Melbourne to New York, which are scheduled to start in late 2025.

Airport Express city check-in returning to Hong Kong

Check-in counters have reopened at the Hong Kong Station as of 5 July 2023. This popular and convenient service allows travellers to drop their luggage in the city rather than at the airport. There is no update yet on when this service will return to Kowloon and Tsing Yi stations.

Qantas increases domestic and trans-Tasman flights in early 2024

Qantas has responded to the high demand for flights around the week of Taylor Swift’s 2024 Australian tour by adding over 60 flights to Sydney and Melbourne in February 2024. The added capacity will benefit business and leisure travellers alike from cities including Adelaide, Perth and Christchurch. 

Singapore Airlines adds extra Cairns flights

Singapore Airlines has added an extra two flights between Cairns and Changi weekly. This brings the total connections to five per week departing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Qatar Airways seeks to double flights to Australia

Qatar Airways have petitioned the Federal Government to allow additional routes to Doha and other international hotspots. If approved, this will help the Airline gain pivotal space in the Australian market and customers will see an extra daily flight being added to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

British Airways’ new Business and First Class suites arriving soon

From 29 October 2023, British Airways Business and First Class return to Sydney with their new flagship premium cabins. For First Class, the suites will boast features such as a 24″ HD video screen and Meridian noise-cancelling headphones. Meanwhile, Business Class passengers can expect more privacy with sliding doors, increased personal space and direct aisle access.

China Eastern to resume direct flights

From July 2023, China Eastern Airlines will resume direct flights from Sydney to Nanjing and Wuhan as they look to rebuild their Australian network. These flights will operate three times a week, and their Sydney to Shanghai service will also return in late October this year.

Virgin Australia introduce Cairns to Tokyo

At the end of last month, Virgin Australia debuted their Cairns to Tokyo-Haneda flight despite delays in production for their first Boeing 737 MAX. This daily service will be an 8-hour journey and it is anticipated that travellers from 30 July 2023 will be boarding the new Boeing 737 MAX rather than the Boeing 737-700.

Qantas returns to Rome

Qantas has resumed its Perth to Rome flight for the second year with confirmation that this will continue into 2024. This route is seasonal and serves as the sole non-stop link between continental Europe and Australia. In particular, Fiumicino Airport in Rome has access to 16 destinations across Europe such as Madrid and Nice.

Air New Zealand voted ‘Airline of the Year’ for 2023

Air New Zealand has taken out AirlineRatings.com’s Airline of the Year for 2023. For the seventh time since 2013, Air New Zealand has received the honour and this can be attributed to various factors such as its SkyNest economy beds, operational safety, staff motivation and environment leadership.

Delta to ramp up Sydney to Los Angeles flights

Growing demand has prompted Delta Air Lines to temporarily increase its existing Sydney-LAX route from 10 flights weekly to a double-daily. This is scheduled to begin on 17 December 2023 and appears to be returning to its previous schedule on 31 March 2024.

Qantas has resumed its flights between Melbourne and Hong Kong

Following an extended hiatus, Qantas has reintroduced its service between Melbourne and Hong Kong. The A330 will be taking off thrice weekly every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with a quick turnaround bounce back on those same days. Onboard, the lie-flat seats within the A330 business class will help to make the flight as comfortable as possible.

Malaysia Airlines to introduce Free Wi-Fi for frequent flyers and business class

From July 2023, free Wi-Fi will be offered to top-tier frequent flyers and business class passengers aboard Malaysia Airlines. Initially, this will be available on 20 Malaysia Airlines jets before it is rolled out across more aircraft. Other passengers who do not qualify for this will still have access to their existing three-tier Wi-Fi structure.

Air New Zealand continues its partnership with the Sunshine Coast

Last month, Air New Zealand resumed its seasonal route from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast for another year. Over the season, this will be reflected in approximately 16,000 available seats in total with three flights operating between the destinations during the week. While this is important for connecting across the Tasman, it also importantly opens up travel destinations across the world such as North America and Asia.

China Southern Airlines to restart New Zealand flights

In November, China Southern Airlines will restart direct flights connecting Guangzhou to Auckland and Christchurch. It is expected that these services will be operating three times each week. This is to meet the increasing travel demand between the two countries following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hotels

Western Sydney to welcome new conference centre and hotel

Western Sydney is preparing to welcome the Pullman Sydney Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre (WSCC) this August. The completion of the Pullman Sydney Penrith will mark Penrith’s first 5-star hotel. Meanwhile, the adjoined WSCC will become one of the largest conference centres outside of the Sydney CBD with flexible conference spaces spanning over 1,250 square metres and the capability to host up to 1000 seated guests. These developments arrive at a crucial time as the region sets out on a fresh stage of expansion.

Cairns Convention Centre prepares for expansion opening

The Cairns Convention Centre is preparing to unveil its $176 million expansion that gives the venue the ability to host multiple or larger events. The expansion adds various features such as a rooftop banquet area, an outdoor terrace, an exhibition and three flexible meeting rooms. It is anticipated that this development will help cement Tropical North Queensland as a highly-desired business destination.

Moxy Sydney Airport readies for September opening

Located on the doorstep of the Sydney Domestic Airport, Moxy aims to deliver an unconventional hotel experience. This 301-room hotel is designed in a ‘stylish and playful’ way, however, still offers co-working spaces and 6 event rooms with the largest capacity being 60 guests.

Hyatt announces plans to open a Thompson Hotel in Rome

Hyatt has stated that it intends to open a Thompson Hotel in Rome next year, signifying its expansion in Europe. Promoted as a ‘luxury lifestyle’ brand, the 70-room hotel will come to life in a renovated 1930’s building close to the centre of Rome. Additional features include two meeting rooms, four dining outlets and a fitness centre.