Corporate Travel News: June 2024

Airlines/Airports

ACCC approves the VA – Air NZ codeshare

The ACCC has granted authorisation for unilateral codesharing arrangements between Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand. It was determined that the sharing of resources between these airlines would offer more ticketing and price options for consumers on trans-Tasman services. Click here to learn more.

Qantas and Perth Airport announce a historical commercial agreement

Qantas and Perth Airport have announced a $3 billion commercial agreement which will see the Perth Airport undergo significant transformations over the next decade. These include the construction of new terminal facilities, a new runway, two multi-storey carparks, upgrades to road access, and the airport’s first hotel. This will enable the Perth Airport to become a world-class Western hub and significantly increase the domestic and international services.

Air New Zealand’s new Seats to Suit fare options go live

As of 11 June, Air New Zealand’s refreshed Seats to Suit fare options are now available for customers travelling between Australia and New Zealand. This will see the introduction of worksflexi, premiumflexi and businessflexi. To learn more, please click here.

Virgin Australia welcomes a new business class menu

Earlier this month, Virgin Australia rolled out its new business class menu which sees dishes such as soba chicken noodle salad and corn fritters topped with zesty relish becoming available. The airline has also made a long-awaited expansion to 12 dishes on the economy class buy-onboard menu and introduced digital payments.

Rex introduces Perth flights for Melbourne and Adelaide

From 28 June, Rex Airlines will launch Melbourne-Perth and Perth-Adelaide services, signalling its debut in the Perth market. The Melbourne-Perth route will operate five times weekly, while the Perth-Adelaide route will operate three times weekly using its group member, National Jet Express (NJE).

Hilton Honors limited time offer for CTM customers

Receive a trial of Hilton Honors Silver Status through to 31 August 2024, by registering for this special offer. Additionally, if you stay 8 nights by 31 August 2024, you’ll earn Gold Status through to March 2026. Learn more about the Silver and Gold Perks here.

Qantas begins implementing its new boarding process

Qantas has now started rolling out its new ‘US-style’ boarding process, designed to streamline passenger boarding and help more flights depart on time. Passengers will be assigned a boarding number between one and six on their boarding pass which is determined by their cabin, frequent flyer status, and where they are seated in the aircraft. Click here to view which airports have been part of the initial rollout.

Virgin Australia increases membership fees

From 1 July, Virgin Australia will increase its annual lounge membership fee to $450. Additionally, it will also reintroduce a $99 joining fee at the same time. Meanwhile, adult single entry passes will remain at $65 and children single entry passes will decrease marginally to $45. To learn more about these changes, click here.

Jetstar introduces a Brisbane to Bangkok service

From 13 December this year, Jetstar will reintroduce a direct service between Brisbane and Bangkok. This service will operate three times weekly, halving the current travel time taken on indirect routes.

Rex Airlines unlocks benefits for RexFlyer status members

Rex Airlines has unveiled an expanded suite of status perks for its Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond members of RexFlyer. This will see access to a range of new and exclusive benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access, extra legroom seating and annual business class upgrades. To learn more, please click here.

Temporary Closure of Air New Zealand’s Dunedin Lounge

Air New Zealand has advised that its Dunedin Lounge will be closed for up to 8 weeks while routine maintenance work is undertaken. Customers can visit the airline’s premium check-in staff who will help assist eligible members with alternative arrangements on the day of travel.

Etihad confirms new business class in 2025

Etihad has confirmed that it will be introducing a new business class offering aboard its A321LR jets in 2025. In particular, there will be fourteen lie flat business class seats with two seats in the front of the cabin, offering even more comfort. This ‘business plus’ approach to the front row of business class is adopted by several airlines and generally provides not only more space but additional features such as a larger video screen and a personal wardrobe.

Qatar Airways reveals plans to expand Australian services

Qatar Airways is seeking approval from the Australian government to increase its flights to Australia by 28 flights per week. If approved, this would see the airline add an extra flight per day into Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. To learn more, please click here.

United Airlines makes changes to its long-haul schedule

United Airlines has announced several changes to its international services departing from Brisbane and Auckland. These changes include discontinuing the seasonal services from Brisbane to Los Angeles and Auckland to Los Angeles. However, the airline has increased the capacity of its service from Brisbane to San Francisco by switching the aircraft from a Boeing 787 to a Boeing 777. Additionally, it will increased its Auckland to San Francisco service from 3 flights per week to daily between 27 October 2024 and 27 March 2024. Click here to learn more.

Qatar Airways to offer free superfast WiFi this year

Qatar Airways has announced that it will be offering free superfast WiFi before the end of the year on selected long-range Boeing 777s. This will be powered by Starlink which uses a micro-satellite network to offer speeds that are far faster than most airline WiFi systems. It is anticipated that most of the airline’s fleet will be equipped with this over the next two years.

Qantas reveals new frequent flyer bag tags

Qantas has announced that it will begin issuing complimentary luggage tags to many of its frequent flyers. These tags will be colour-coded to reflect the traveller’s status and are designed for carry-on hand luggage and cabin bags. To view the new design, click here.

Hotels

Accor expands its network with the signing of Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill

Accor has announced the signing of the 179-room Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill, expanding its Brisbane hotel network. This hotel boasts a favourable location overlooking the city and will undergo an extensive refurbishment to align with Mercure’s brand standards. The hotel’s facilities include a restaurant, bar, meeting rooms and a swimming pool. To learn more about this hotel, click here.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth set for completion in September

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is currently undergoing a $60 million refurbishment, which is expected to be completed by September of this year. Significant upgrades have been made to the event spaces, including the installation of new technology such as LED screens, customisable lighting, and sound systems. Furthermore, the guest rooms will be upgraded, and the hotel will be introducing a new dining precinct featuring two new restaurants and bars.

G’day Group acquires Margeret River property

Australia’s leading regional tourism company, G’day Group, has announced the acquisition of Taunton Farm Holiday Park, expanding its Discovery Parks network. This property is located just 15 minutes north of Margeret River’s township and less than 10 minutes from many of the region’s popular destinations such as wineries and iconic beaches.

Novotel Darwin CBD awarded sustainability certification

Novotel Darwin CBD has become the Northern Territory’s first hotel to be given Ecotoursim Australia’s Sustainable Toursim Certification. In becoming the eighth Accor hotel to be certified in the country, the hotel has exemplified dedication to environmental stewardship, community engagement and cultural respect. To learn more about this, click here.

QT Singapore to open in September this year

The QT Singapore will undergo a refresh before officially opening for business on 16 September this year. Conveniently located within the heart of the financial district, this boutique hotel will retain its distinguished colonial design. The interior will feature an eclectic blend of art, design, and innovation. As the first QT hotel in Southeast Asia, it will offer luxurious guestrooms, a gym, a rooftop pool, and public spaces such as a signature bar and grill.