Corporate Travel News: July 2024

 

 

Airlines/Airports

Qantas brings group boarding to Sydney and Melbourne

After debuting in Brisbane and Perth in June, Qantas has extended the rollout of its group boarding to Sydney and Melbourne Airport. Passengers boarding one of the airline’s Airbus A330 or Boeing 737 flights will board through one of six designated groups. To learn more, click here.

Jetstar announces expansion for New Zealand

Jetstar has announced plans to significantly expand its operations in New Zealand. This expansion will unlock over 240,000 low-fare seats annually across the Tasman. Initially, the expansion will see the launch of Christchurch to Cairns and Auckland to Maroochydore services, followed by increased capacity on key domestic routes such as Christchurch to Auckland and Auckland to Wellington. The airline will also adjust its Christchurch to Melbourne flight times to optimise for long-haul international connectivity.

Qantas to make upgrades to regional flights

Qantas is in the process of revamping its regional arm, QantasLink, with a slew of changes on the way. From the end of this year, the QantasLink Q400 workhorse fleet will begin growing to 45, allowing the 19 smaller Q200 and Q300 turboprop aircraft to be phased out over time. The airline also has 29 Airbus A220 on order, the third will be delivered shortly and used for inter-city routes such as Melbourne-Hobart and Melbourne-Launceston. Click here to learn more.

Air New Zealand boost Tokyo capacity

Air New Zealand has revealed that it will add 30,000 seats to its Tokyo route between November and March. This is a result of the airline’s decision to fly its Boeing 777-300ER more frequently to Japan, reducing the usage of its 787-9 Dreamliner on the Auckland-Narita route.

Gold Coast Airport opens new domestic lounge

Gold Coast Airport has achieved a major milestone in its $17 million refurbishment by unveiling the new domestic lounge. The renovations include new flooring, enhanced wayfinding, additional flight information display boards, and more seating. The lounge now resides in the former international screening and departures area, as these operations have been relocated to a new terminal.

Air New Zealand’s seasonal Sunshine Coast service returns

From the end of last month, Air New Zealand recommenced its seasonal service to the Sunshine Coast. The route departs Auckland and is operating three times weekly on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday until October 2024.

Changes to Qantas lounge access at Adelaide Airport

Work is underway for the three new Qantas lounges at Adelaide Airport, resulting in various changes to the existing lounge access. Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyers can now access the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge, although, Qantas lounge passes are not being accepted until mid-next year due to the current capacity. Click here to learn more.

British Airways welcomes new 787 business class

Last month, British Airways’ new Boeing 787 business class took wing aboard one of the airline’s original 787-8s. The latest Club Suites business class offers direct aisle access, sliding doors, large video screens, and more personal space. In the coming months, this will be fitted out in the remaining eleven 787-8s before the focus turns to the Boeing 787-9s.

New menu for Qantas Singapore first class lounge

The Qantas Singapore first class lounge has introduced a range of new seasonal dishes to compliment its popular signature dishes such as the crayfish laksa. The new options include poached eggs, smashed avocado and bacon, broccoli soup with parmesan cream, chives and focaccia, and crispy pork belly. To see the full menu, click here.

Qantas and Jetstar introduce direct flights to Vanuatu

Qantas and Jetstar have announced that they will shortly commence direct flights from Australia to Vanuatu. Beginning on 10 September 2024, Qantas will operate three flights weekly between Brisbane and Port Villa. Meanwhile, from 12 December 2024, Jetstar will offer up to four weekly flights between Sydney and Port Villa.

Revamped Qantas Club lounge for Hobart in 2027

Qantas has announced that Hobart Airport will be getting a new and significantly larger Qantas Club lounge in 2027. The airline plans to increase the capacity of the lounge by 50%, expanding it from 96 to approximately 150 seats. Additionally, there will be a wider variety of local produce available at the buffet.

Fly direct between Broome and Singapore with Jetstar

Jetstar Asia has launched a direct service from Singapore to Broome, becoming the first airline to operate international flights into regional Western Australia. This will operate during the dry season using an Airbus A320, flying twice weekly return services.

China Southern reintroduces Perth-Guangzhou flights

On 28 November, direct flights between Perth and China will be reintroduced by China Southern, connecting Perth with Guangzhou. This will operate using the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departing Perth on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Qantas introduces French-themed menus and amenity kits

Ahead of next month’s launch of the direct service between Perth and Paris, Qantas has introduced French-themed menus, pyjamas and amenity kits. The limited edition pyjamas and amenity kits will be available for business class customers travelling on this new route, meanwhile, passengers aboard the new flights will be treated to well-known French classics in the new menu. These flights are scheduled to begin on 12 July.

Emirates premium economy available in sixteen destinations

Emirates premium economy is now available on services to 16 different destinations with the recent addition of Osaka Kansai International Airport. The premium economy offering features a 40-inch seat pitch, a 6-way adjustable headrest, and a wide fold-out dining table. This seat is also available on flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Christchurch.

 

Hotels

Parkroyal Melbourne Airport unveils fresh look

Parkroyal Melbourne Airport has unveiled a new look after undergoing a multi-million-dollar refurbishment spanning its rooms, conferencing facilities and common areas. The guest rooms feature a neutral colour palette inspired by the Australian landscape along with bespoke furniture, in-room minibars and contemporary daybeds. The food and beverage venues have also been reimagined with the introduction of Airo Restaurant, serving an Australian-Asian-inspired menu.

Minor Hotels signs fourth franchised hotel

Minor Hotels has announced the signing of Oaks Melbourne on William Suites as its fourth franchised hotel. This is a 220-room apartment hotel located on the doorstep of renowned dining, shopping and sporting events. To learn more about the hotel, click here.

DoubleTree by Hilton to debut in Tasmania this year

In the second half of 2024, Tasmania is set to welcome a DoubleTree by Hilton property, marking the first Hilton-branded hotel in the region. Construction is already underway on the 206-room Hobart hotel which is located within walking distance of the CBD on the waterfront.