Corporate Travel News: November 2023

Airlines/Airports

Qantas launches Sydney-Perth-Paris flights

Qantas has announced that it will commence direct flights from Australia to Paris in July 2024, capitalising on the Olympic lead-up. The route will fly from Sydney to Perth and then on to Paris, following a similar pattern to the airline’s seasonal flights to Rome. However, the Paris service will operate all year round. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on 12 July and will run four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Although, the Sunday flight will be discontinued at the conclusion of the Olympics in mid-August 2024.

Qatar Airways to introduce fast, free WiFi

Qatar Airways has joined the push for free inflight internet, signing an agreement with Starlink, the communications satellite arm of Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Although it isn’t clear when this service will begin, the partnership promises to provide passengers with free WiFi that boasts ultra-fast speeds. Once fully implemented, Starlink will support the entire Qatar Airways fleet, enabling passengers to stay connected between over 160 destinations worldwide.

Melbourne Airport’s Virgin Australia terminal to undergo upgrades

Virgin Australia has revealed an $81 million investment to expand the size of the Virgin Australia Arrivals Hall at Melbourne Airport. The upgrades will include building a new baggage carousel and an oversized baggage collection point, as well as refurbishing the existing three carousels. After the completion of the expansion project in 2025, the baggage carousel space will increase by 85%, providing passengers with a more seamless experience.

Qantas ‘Neighbour Free’ seating goes international

Having been introduced to Qantas’ domestic network recently, ‘Neighbour Free’ seating is now available on select international flights. The airline has selected 19 international flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to trial the option. Pricing will vary, starting from $45 on Trans-Tasman flights and increasing to $225 between Australia and America.

Singapore Airlines adds fifth daily Sydney-Singapore flight

From 27 October 2024, Singapore Airlines will add a fifth daily flight between Singapore and Sydney, taking the schedule back to pre-pandemic levels. This will provide travellers with various options for streamlined connections at Changi Airport to key destinations across the UK, Europe and Asia.

Air Canada boosts flights for Brisbane and Sydney

Since early November, Air Canada has begun boosting its flights from Brisbane to Vancouver with the switch from a Boeing 787-9 to a 777 and the adoption of a daily schedule until 30 March 2024. In addition, from 4 December, the daily Sydney-Vancouver flight will be bolstered by a 4 pm departure three days per week until 18 January 2024. Please click here to view the complete schedule.

Qantas A380 returns to Sydney-Hong Kong

From the start of this month, Qantas has reintroduced the Airbus A380 to the Sydney-Hong Kong route until February 2024. This offers almost three times as many business class seats, the addition of 35 premium economy recliners and 100 more economy seats. This signifies a familiar pattern to pre-pandemic years, with increased capacity being introduced over the peak travel season.

Air New Zealand opens new premium check-in zone

Air New Zealand has opened its new premium check-in zone at Auckland International Airport for Business Class travellers and frequent flyers. Described as stylish and seamless, the revamped area boasts various design features that highlight the natural elements of the local environment. Photos of the new space can be seen here.

Qantas adds premium economy to Singapore and Bangkok flights

Qantas has announced that it is introducing premium economy to its second daily Sydney-Singapore flight. Additionally, it will also be offering a ‘better than economy’ seat on its Sydney-Bangkok route. However, it’s important to note that this will not be aboard a Qantas aircraft but instead a Finnair jet as part of their leasing agreement. This has seen Qantas fly a Finnair A330 between Sydney and Singapore since 31 October and will see the same aircraft between Sydney and Shanghai from 31 March 2024.

Rex launches flights between Brisbane and Adelaide

Rex has now launched direct flights between Brisbane and Adelaide, taking wing in a Boeing 737. This daily service will offer passengers 8 business class seats along with economy seating for the sub-three-hour flight. This is the third new route Rex has added to its domestic network in recent months, taking the airline closer to its goal of flying between all capital cities in Australia.

Air New Zealand halts Hobart services

Air New Zealand has announced that it will pause its flights to Hobart from April next year. This schedule adjustment is the result of mandatory engine maintenance which will ground some of the airline’s fleet. Whilst the airline hasn’t committed to a date of return for this direct service, it will continue to review fleet availability during the new year.

Singapore Airlines introduces its Boeing 787 to Adelaide

At the end of last month, Singapore Airlines boosted seats between Adelaide to Singapore by switching from an Airbus A350 to a Boeing 787. In addition, the airline also introduced four more Singapore-Adelaide flights per week between 2 December and 21 January 2024. Please click here to find out more and view the schedule.

Qatar Airways switches to a Boeing 777 for Adelaide

At the end of last month, Qatar Airways switched from an Airbus A350 to a Boeing 777 for its Adelaide connections. Although this is an older aircraft, the 777 features 6 more Qsuites than the A350 which will be put to good use on the overnight flights to and from Doha. The schedule can be viewed here.

Air New Zealand welcomes new Boeing 777

On select Air New Zealand flights, passengers will now fly in a Cathay Pacific Boeing 777 which has been leased to help boost capacity and handle increased demand. This will see the return of first class suites and the introduction of business class seats that have greater personal space, larger video screens and extra storage room. When this begins flying in mid-November, it will primarily be available on the Auckland-Houston route, but it will also appear on other routes such as Melbourne-Auckland and Sydney-Auckland.

Jetstar boosts flights between Sydney and the Cook Islands

From 27 March 2024, Jetstar will add a fourth weekly non-stop flight between Sydney and Rarotonga. This will operate every Wednesday, complementing the existing services on Tuesdays, Thursdays (moving to Fridays from 3 November) and Sundays. Click here to view the schedule for this new direct service.

Air New Zealand remove Works Deluxe seats

Air New Zealand has decided to revamp its ‘Seats to Suit’ approach by discontinuing its Works Deluxe package. Starting from 1st May 2024, Works Deluxe will no longer be available on short-haul routes for narrow-body aircraft travelling between Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. This package previously provided passengers with a seat at the front of the all-economy cabin, with the middle seat in the three-across layout kept empty.

Emirates introduce new amenity kits

Emirates economy and premium economy class customers on long-haul international flights will be given new complimentary amenity kits. These have been designed in partnership with United for Wildlife to highlight the eight most endangered species on the planet. This highlights Emirates’ long-standing partnership with United for Wildlife and the airline’s commitment to preserving wildlife and habitats.

Hotels

The W Sydney opens

Last month, The W Sydney finally opened its doors, marking a new era for the brand. The 588-room luxury hotel boasts 4 dining and bar venues across its three levels and is located just steps from Sydney’s International Convention Centre. It also features 1,300 square meters of event space reflected in 8 different rooms. The premier event space is the 592 square-meter Great Room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering amazing views of the city.

Wyndham Hotel Melbourne unveils new upgrades

Following an AU $3 million refurbishment, Wyndham Hotel Melbourne has unveiled a new contemporary look for its apartments and common spaces. The hotel’s colour palette has been refreshed with shades of teal, coral and grey, while new furniture and vibrant flooring have been added. This new design was inspired by Melbourne’s artistic spirit and serves as a tribute to the city’s rich artistic heritage.

Hyatt House brand to launch in Melbourne

In 2025, the Hyatt House brand will be making its debut in South Melbourne. The 97-room Hyatt House South Melbourne will feature a communal gathering spot, a bar and a 24-hour fitness room. It will be located near South Melbourne Market and a short tram ride from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Next Hotel Melbourne to join Hilton’s Curio Collection

Hilton has recently signed its first Melbourne Curio Collection property, the Next Hotel Melbourne, which will be added to its portfolio by the end of this year. This is the second property in Australia to join the brand, signifying its expansion in key destinations. The Next Hotel Melbourne is a premium hotel with 255 rooms situated in the 80 Collins precinct, located in Melbourne’s CBD. The hotel offers a range of facilities, including event spaces, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a shared space for both work and relaxation.

Voco South Melbourne set to open in 2025

After delays due to the pandemic, developers have confirmed that IHG’s Voco South Melbourne will be set to open in 2025, becoming the third local Voco and the seventh in Australia. This 172-room hotel will be strategically located less than three kilometres from the CBD and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. In addition, it will also feature over 2,200 square metres of co-working and meeting space.

Stage two of the Capella Sydney project commences

In March this year, Capella Sydney’s 192 guest rooms, amenities and select food and beverage establishments were unveiled. Stage two, the final stage of this development, has just commenced and this will see the adjacent Department of Lands building stripped, refurbished and structurally upgraded. Upon completion in 2026, the renovated space will cater to larger-scale events and provide various modern meeting spaces.

Perth welcomes a new event space

Perth Zoo has opened its new function centre, catering for up to 800 attendees and offering four different spaces. Complimented by a new cafe, this development is part of a $51 million investment from the Government to modernise the experience at the zoo.

Dorsett rolls out new technology in its Australian hotels

Dorsett is in the process of rolling out new technological innovations across the Dorsett Gold Coast and Dorsett Melbourne. As a Hong Kong hospitality brand, Dorsett remains tech-forward, innovating to deliver a more personalised guest experience by freeing up staff. These technological innovations include Guest Service Robots (GSR), an AI-powered conversation tool on its website, EyeJack Augmented reality artwork and a new property management system, OPERA Cloud.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour receives full Green Globe™ Accreditation

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has announced that it has received full accreditation with Green Globe™ – a world-leading certification for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism. This sees the hotel become the first Sofitel hotel in the Pacific region to achieve this accreditation. The Green Globe™ standard includes a varied set of criteria across its pillars of Sustainable Management, Social/Economic Factors, Cultural Heritage and Environmental.