Corporate Travel News: November 2022
Airlines/Airports.
Virgin Australia returns to New Zealand
Virgin Australia has resumed flights to New Zealand, with Queenstown as its sole trans-Tasman port. The routes will be flown on the airline’s Boeing 737s, with daily flights to Queenstown from Sydney and Brisbane and four weekly flights to Queenstown from Melbourne.
Air New Zealand welcomes its first domestic Airbus A321neo
On 2 November, Air New Zealand’s first domestic-configurated Airbus A321neo aircraft arrived in Auckland, with its first official flight taking off from Auckland to Wellington on 8 November. It is the first of this aircraft to join the airline’s fleet this year, with another five to be introduced in the coming years. Air NZ’s domestic A321neos will mainly fly on primary routes between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin.
American Airlines resumes direct flights between LAX and SYD
As of 29 October, American Airlines has resumed its daily Los Angeles to Sydney service. Flights will once again depart Sydney at 11:15 am for a 7:00 am (local time) arrival in Los Angeles the same day. Flights will operate on the airlines’ Boeing 787-9 until 16 December, when the Boeing 777-300ER will take over the route, offering passengers the option to fly first class.
Virgin Australia launches Middle Seat Lottery
Virgin Australia has launched its first customer innovation, the Middle Seat Lottery. The Middle Seat Lottery offers passengers flying in the middle seat on their next Virgin Australia domestic flight a chance to win some great prizes, with a prize to be won each week until 23 April 2023*. Find out more here.
Qantas to resume Brisbane-Tokyo services
As of 1 December, Qantas will resume services between Brisbane and Tokyo, with three weekly services scheduled. Services will operate on the airline’s Airbus A330 which features lie-flat Business Suites. Arriving at Hanada Airport, eligible passengers will enjoy access to the first class and business class lounges of Oneworld member Japan Airlines. Melbourne-Tokyo services are scheduled to resume in March 2023.
Emirates to resume non-stop flights between Auckland and Dubai from December
From 1 December, Emirates will resume its daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Auckland on the airline’s A380 aircraft, the world’s largest passenger jet. Daily services will depart Auckland at 9:15 pm, for a 5.25 am arrival in Dubai (local time).
Air New Zealand launches ambitious program for zero emissions aircraft
Air New Zealand has announced Mission Next Generation Aircraft – an accelerator program to progress the airline’s two ambitious goals of flying its first commercial demonstrator flight from 2026 and replacing its Q300 domestic fleet with a more sustainable aircraft from 2030. These goals follow the airline’s Product Requirements Document (PRD) released in December 2021, which saw more than 30 aircraft developers respond with ideas and insights to guide the technology development. Air New Zealand is in close negotiations and expects to sign letters of intent by the end of the year with the partners it will work with. Find out more here.
United Airlines increases Sydney-San Francisco services
From 14 December 2022 to 8 February 2023, United Airlines will add three additional Sydney to San Francisco services to its weekly schedule, bringing the airline’s total to ten non-stop Sydney-San Francisco services per week.
Thai Airways increases Melbourne-Bangkok flights
Thai Airways is set to increase Melbourne-Bangkok services to twice daily as of 1 December 2022. Services will depart Melbourne daily at 12:30 am and 3:25 pm, and will operate on Thai Airway’s Airbus A350 which features flatbed business class seats. This change will see the airline’s timetable return to pre-pandemic levels.
Air New Zealand introduces new regulations on Apple Tags
Air New Zealand has introduced new regulations for Apple AirTags and similar tracking devices, deeming them prohibited items for checked-in luggage since they are portable electronic devices which cannot be turned off. As part of Air New Zealand’s safety management system, a review of these products is likely to take place in early 2023.
Virgin Australia reopens ‘Premium Entry’ lanes in Sydney and Brisbane
Virgin Australia has reopened the Premium Entry facilities in Sydney and Brisbane Airports, allowing business class travellers and top-tier frequent flyers to spend less time in security lines and be fast-tracked to the lounge. For the time being, Premium Entry lanes are only open during peak travel times; 5:00 am to 7:00 am on weekday mornings in Sydney and 5:00 am to 10:00 am on weekday mornings in Brisbane.
Hotels.
ELEVATE & ENJOY with Marriott
Marriott has launched their ELEVATE & ENJOY campaign, offering guests a package rate on premium rooms (premium rooms are defined as all rooms above the standard room category). As part of the offer, guests will enjoy a welcome amenity (determined by each hotel), breakfast for two, and daily hotel credit (equivalent to approximately 10% of the nightly accommodation charge). Offer applies to bookings made between 1 October 2022 – 31 December 2022 for stays between 1 October 2022 – 31 March 2023.
Intercontinental Sydney’s is refurbishment now complete
New life has been breathed into the landmark Intercontinental Sydney, with the hotel’s two-year refurbishment now complete. The hotel now features 509 rooms and suites styled in green and blue tones, a refurbished entrance and reception area, a grand lobby bar and a public rooftop bar offering sweeping city skyline views, including Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Accor opens Sydney’s newest Mercure Hotel
In early October, Accor opened the doors of Sydney’s newest Mercure Hotel, Mercure Sydney Martin Place. Located on Phillip Street in the heart of the CBD, the hotel features 86 spacious rooms which include kitchenettes, a 24-hour reception, onsite parking and laundry facilities.
W Sydney Hotel to welcome guests from October 2023
The W Sydney hotel is set to welcome guests in October 2023. The luxury hotel will feature a curved exterior, 585 sophisticated rooms and suites, an impressive two-storey rooftop bar, and a heated infinity pool positioned to offer guests sweeping harbour views.
Choice Hotels acquires Quality Apartments Melbourne Central
Choice Hotels Asia Pacific has added a new CBD property, Quality Apartments Melbourne Central to the brand’s Melbourne portfolio. Situated on Little Burke Street, the property features a range of one- and two-bedroom apartments with modern furnishings in a boutique-style setting.
Accor partners with Panthers Group to open a new Pullman hotel in Penrith
Accor is partnering with Western Sydney sporting organisation Panthers Group to open a five-star Pullman hotel in Penrith in late 2023. The new 153-room hotel will be part of the new state-of-the-art Penrith Panthers precinct, which will serve as a business and entertainment destination. The hotel will also feature an onsite restaurant and bar with private dining rooms, as well as a café.
Information on this page is sourced from third party sources. While effort is taken to verify the accuracy of this information, Corporate Travel Management (CTM) recommends that travellers seek independent advice and/or information from their CTM travel consultant, CTM travel tools, or direct from their chosen travel suppliers relating to the status of supplier services, schedules and booking conditions as information may change regularly.