Corporate Travel News: March 2024

Airlines/Airports

Qantas considering a ‘subscription model’ for lounge access

Qantas is considering the introduction of a low-cost ‘subscription payment’ model for lounge access that uses monthly payments rather than yearly. This may be a more affordable option for some travellers and provides greater flexibility as members can pay as they go and cancel at any time. To learn more, please click here.

Virgin Australia Status Boost offer

Earn up to 125 bonus status credits by booking and flying on 2+ eligible Virgin Australia flights before 28 March 2024.* Elevate your status for exclusive perks such as priority check-in, screening, boarding, lounge access, Fly Ahead, and beyond! Discover more here.

*T&Cs apply.*

Free WiFi coming to Qantas’ international flights

By the end of 2024, Qantas passengers will have access to fast and free WiFi aboard international flights. The airline’s Airbus A330, Boeing 787, and A380 fleets will all be fitted with the upgrade, while retrofits of the A330-200s will begin in March. The other existing aircraft will have this installed during 2025. To find out which international routes will be part of the initial rollout, click here.

Qantas reveals new A220 jet

On 22 February, Qantas unveiled its new Airbus A220 designed for regional and domestic flights. The aircraft boasts a spacious cabin, newly designed economy and business class seats, and inflight Wi-Fi. The airline intends to use this modern plane to replace its Boeing 717s and serve as the workhorse for Qantaslink’s regional and intercity routes. If you would like to learn more, please click here.

Qantas to use Finnair A330 for Sydney-Bangkok service

From 31 March, Qantas will replace its Airbus A330 with a Finnair A330 for its Sydney-Bangkok route. With this change, comes the introduction of Finnair’s non-reclining business class seat which is described as an over-sized shell. Although it cannot recline, it contains an alcove for your feet where two padded pans swing up to create a longer continuous space for lying down. To learn more about Finnair’s A330, please click here.

New Zealand Government extends Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines alliance

The New Zealand Government has decided to reauthorise the joint venture between Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines for another five years. Throughout the ten-year partnership, the seating capacity between the two destinations has increased by nearly 50% with the addition of three daily services between Auckland and Singapore, and a daily service between Christchurch and Singapore. The extension of this partnership will give New Zealanders greater connectivity and access to destinations across Europe, India and Southeast Asia.

Singapore Airlines opens new Perth SilverKris Lounge

Singapore Airlines has now opened its new SilverKris Lounge at the Perth International Airport. This space accommodates up to 135 passengers, doubling the size of the previous lounge, and offers enhanced facilities and a selection of new dining options.

Delta to fly between Brisbane and Los Angeles

Delta Air Lines has announced plans to fly between Brisbane and Los Angeles. Starting on 4 December 2024 through to 28 March 2025, the airline will fly three times weekly using its Airbus A350 with Delta One business class suites and premium economy recliners. This new route will also provide streamlined transit at LAX for onward flights.

Changes to the Etihad Guest frequent flyer

Etihad Airways will introduce significant changes to its Etihad Guest loyalty program this year, designed to make it ‘simpler, more rewarding and more personalised.’ The changes include the introduction of a Guest Diamond tier and many reduced Guest Miles seat redemption rates. Click here to discover the full list of updates.

Etihad unveils new amenities across all cabins

Etihad Airways has introduced a new amenity kit and loungewear collection in collaboration with Italian design house, Giorgio Armani. This new range will be available in premium cabins, whereas complimentary tote bags will be provided for long-haul economy guests. These additions will be rolled out on flights from the end of February.

Thai Airways orders 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Thai Airways has announced an order for 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to support the airline’s plans to modernise its fleet and expand its international network. These Dreamliners will be equipped with GEnx engines, which use cutting-edge technology to reduce their environmental impact.

Sydney Airport enhances SmartGate passport lanes

Sydney Airport has begun upgrading to “Generation 3′ technology for the touch-and-go passport lanes. This will allow a greater number of international travellers to use this self-service option, offering an improved experience for travellers entering Australia. It is expected that this upgrade will be completed by mid-2024.

Hobart Airport commences terminal expansion

Hobart Airport has started a $200 million renovation project that aims to expand the terminal from 12,000 to 23,000 square meters. The upgrade will provide extra seating capacity, more space for queuing, two new departure gates, an additional security screening lane, and an extra baggage carousel. In terms of hospitality, the renovation will bring four new food outlets and six new retail stores to the airport.

Delta’s JFK business class lounge to open in June

It has been announced that Delta will target a mid-year opening of its new premium lounge at New York’s JFK Airport. While it is unsure who will be able to access this lounge, visitors can expect a full-service brasserie along with a chef-assisted market featuring open kitchens. By December, the airline will open similar spaces in Los Angeles and Boston.

 

 

Hotels

EVT signs two iconic Sydney hotels

EVT has announced the signing of two well-known Sydney accommodation icons, The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale and the Harbour Rocks Hotel in Sydney. These two hotels will fall under the ‘luxe’ tier within EVT’s Independant Collection brand. Both properties have a rich history and by signing under the Independent Collection, they can retain their brand while leveraging EVT’s scale.

Accor welcomes new Pullman at Auckland Airport

At the end of February, Accor opened the first five-star hotel at the Auckland Airport precinct, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel. This hotel offers 311 guestrooms and a signature restaurant, Te Kaahu. For meetings and events, the hotel has two rooms, Toorea and Kootare, which can hold up to 16 people and provide features such as high-speed internet and catering on order. Please click here to learn more.

TFE Hotels to welcome Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands

Starting from 10 April, TFE Hotels will begin operating the Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands. This upscale hotel features 273 rooms, extensive leisure facilities, and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that offer picturesque views of the Yarra River and the city. The hotel is conveniently located just 1.6km from Marvel Stadium, and offers conference facilities for business meetings. The hotel’s restaurant, Storehouse Melbourne, serves up a range of dishes that celebrate Australia’s bold and diverse flavours.

Crystalbrook set to enter Adelaide market

Crystalbrook Collection is set to enter the South Australian market with the signing of a new-build hotel in Adelaide’s CBD, Crystalbrook Sam. This 200-room hotel is projected to be opened in 2026 and will be positioned as a unique upscale offering. Over 13 levels, the hotel will feature ‘sustainable’ guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, meeting spaces and a wellness centre. Click here to find out more.

PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport offers new short stays

PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport has now introduced ‘Short Stay Hourly Accommodation’, offering travellers the ability to stay for upwards of three hours. This gives guests the ability to take a nap, enjoy the in-room dining service, have a meal at the restaurant, and much more.

EVT welcomes Lylo brand to Australia

EVT has recently announced the launch of its budget lifestyle brand, Lylo, in Australia. The first property will be located in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane and is set to open its doors to the public in April. Lylo Brisbane is designed for budget-conscious travellers and offers a unique social experience. The hotel features 82 self-contained pods, including 4 and 6-pod rooms, as well as female-only rooms. Guests can also enjoy additional amenities such as a shared kitchen, a co-working space with unlimited Wi-Fi, a wellness area, and a rooftop space. Click here to have a glimpse into its unique design.