Business Travel News: October 2022
Airlines/Airports.
United Airlines to launch non-stop Brisbane to San Francisco service
From Monday 31 October, United Airlines will operate a new non-stop service from Brisbane to San Francisco. Services will initially operate three times weekly on the airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which features lie-flat United Polaris®business class seats.
New Zealand lifts most travel restrictions
On Monday 12 September, New Zealand’s former COVID-19 Protection Framework traffic light system ended, lifting most travel restrictions. For the time being, all inbound travellers arriving to New Zealand by air travel will need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZDT) prior to departure.
Qantas restores vegetarian meals and snacks to the menu for domestic flights
Qantas is restoring vegetarian meals to the menu on all domestic Qantas flights, following strong public demand. The airline has promised a broader menu refresh to launch in October, which will include new vegetarian options along with fresh fruit on all domestic flights under 3.5 hours.
Air New Zealand extends expiry date of all credits
To offer customers more time to get out and explore the world, Air New Zealand has extended the expiry date of all current credits. All customers who have a credit as of 30 September 2022 now have until 31 January 2024 to book a new flight and until 31 December 2024 to take that flight.
United Airlines’ to resume direct Sydney-Houston services from late October
From 28 October, United Airlines will officially resume direct flights between Sydney and Houston, further expanding the travel options for Virgin Australia frequent flyers. Services will initially operate three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, before increasing to a daily schedule from 17 December.
Qatar Airways and Accor ALL partnership offer members points and status fast-track
Following the announcement of the new strategic partnership between Qatar Airways and Accor ALL, Privilege Club and ALL members can now link their accounts to enjoy incredible rewards and benefits, including tier fast-track. Find out more about the benefits on offer here.
British Airways to bring new first class and business class to Sydney
From 30 October, British Airways’ long-range Boeing 777 bound for Sydney via Singapore will feature the airline’s newest first class and business class cabins. The new first class suites offer more personal space and privacy, with features including a 24’’ HD video screen with state-of-the-art noise-cancelling headphones. The new business class suites feature sliding privacy doors, and offer passengers improved personal space and direct isle access.
United Airlines to resume Melbourne-LAX services and boost Melbourne-SFO services
From 28 October, United Airlines will resume flights between Melbourne and Los Angeles, with three weekly services scheduled initially. Services will increase to a daily schedule from 1 December. The airline will also increase Melbourne-San Francisco flights to a daily schedule from 28 October. Both Melbourne services will operate on Boeing 787 Dreamliners fitted with United’s latest Polaris business class seats.
Japan fully reopens to tourists
As of 11 October, Japan has lifted all border restrictions including the daily arrivals limit and the requirement for travellers to apply for tourist visas. COVID testing is required for triple-vaccinated travellers; however, unvaccinated travellers still need to obtain a negative test result before departure.
Hong Kong lifts hotel mandatory quarantine for international visitors
As of Monday 26 September, travellers can visit Hong Kong without having to undergo hotel quarantine. Under Hong Kong’s new ‘0+3’ scheme, visitors are required to take a pre-flight rapid antigen test, a PCR test on arrival, and self-test daily for the three days following their arrival.
Hotels.
TFE Hotels to open two new Melbourne Hotels in 2026
TFE Hotels is set to open two new Melbourne hotels in 2026. The two new hotels will comprise of a 200-key Collection by TFE hotel and a 105-key A by Adina hotel. The hotels will be housed within the same development and will feature a 9,000 sqm conference centre, which will be located on a sky bridge connecting the two towers. The conference centre will have capacity for 1,000 delegates and offer panoramic views of the city skyline.
InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula now open
The InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula has officially opened its doors, welcoming guest as of early August. The historic building has been given new life, featuring 108 styled rooms, multiple dining options and approximately 600 sqm of events space across four function areas.
Ritz-Carlton Melbourne to open in early 2023
The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne is set to make its debut and welcome guests from early 2023. The 6-star luxury hotel will feature 257 rooms and suites, a signature restaurant and bar, wellness facilities and a sky lobby on the 80th floor which offer panoramic views of the Yarra River, Marvel Stadium, and the city skyline.
Information on this page is sourced from third party sources. While effort is taken to verify the accuracy of this information, 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.