Corporate Travel News: October 2024

Airlines/Airports

Qatar Airways set to acquire minority stake in Virgin Australia

It has been confirmed that Qatar Airways is seeking to acquire a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. Subject to regulatory approval, this investment will provide access to the scale and expertise of Qatar Airways’ global network, enabling Virgin Australia to launch long-haul flights to Doha from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. This will not only provide travellers with further loyalty benefits but also the opportunity to connect with itineraries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Air New Zealand returns to Hobart

Starting on 27 October, Air New Zealand will resume seasonal direct flights between Auckland and Hobart. The flights will operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, using the airline’s A320neo and A321neo aircraft. With over 600 seats available every week, customers will have a great opportunity to take advantage of the updated Seats to Suit options.

Jetstar to introduce flights between Sydney and Hamilton

From 16 June 2025, Jetstar will begin operating flights between Sydney and Hamilton. Operating up to four times per week, this service will unlock over 75,000 new seats across the Tasman and provide passengers with more choices and flexibility.

Brisbane Airport set to undergo significant transformation

Brisbane Airport is undergoing a major transformation in the next few years, marking the most significant changes to the terminal since it opened 29 years ago. The departures area will feature self-service check-in kiosks and bag drop facilities, and the security screening and passport control will be relocated from level 3 to level 4. Additionally, the duty-free zone will be expanded to include 31 new dining options and specialty stores. The new security systems will be in place by the end of 2025, while the other changes will be completed in stages by 2027.

Qantas completes its inaugural A380 flight between Australia and South Africa

At the end of September, Qantas completed its inaugural Airbus A380 flight between Australia and South Africa. Flying up to six times per week, the Sydney to Johannesburg service has capacity for 485 passengers across four cabins, including 14 first class suites in an exclusive 1-1-1 configuration. Click here to learn more about this new route.

UK introduces new travel rules

From January 2025, Australians heading to the UK will be required to fill out a new form before flying. This is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that must be completed online and approved pre-departure. The ETA is a digital visa waiver program intended primarily for business and leisure purposes, costing travellers £10 (A$20). Although this is already required for visitors from Gulf states,  it is being extended globally in two stages. To learn more about how to apply, click here.

Virgin Australia to refit Max-8 aircraft and acquire Rex aircraft

Amidst airline supply chain delays, Virgin Australia has announced that it will be refitting its existing Max-8 aircraft and acquiring Rex aircraft. This is to ensure the airline has a steady pipeline of aircraft coming into the business so that it has the flexibility to cater for customer needs. To learn more about the airline’s fleet, click here.

Emirates to recommence daily Adelaide flights

Starting from 28 October, Emirates will resume daily flights between Adelaide and the airline’s hub in Dubai. The flights will be operated using a long-range Boeing 777-200LR, offering travellers a choice of 38 business class flatbed seats and 264 economy recliners. The flight schedules for these 13-hour flights are designed to align with the airline’s “prime European arrival and departure times,” providing seamless connections to destinations across Europe and the UK.

Hotels

The Calile Hotel named 25th in the world’s 50 best hotels

For the second year in a row, The Calile Hotel has been named in ‘The World’s 50 Best Hotels’ awards, securing 25th globally and the top spot in Oceania. Not only cementing the hotel’s place among the top globally but reaffirming its longstanding commitment to excellence. This result is a testament to the hotel’s exceptional customer service and precedence placed in investing in the community. To learn more about this accolade, click here.

TFE signs a multi-property agreement with New Zealand’s Heritage Hotels

TFE Hotels has announced that it has signed a multi-property management agreement with Heritage Hotels in New Zealand. This will see five Heritage properties rebranded under the Adina and Rendezvous brands. These properties include Adina Citylife Auckland, Adina CityLife Wellington, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel in Christchurch, Rendezvous Heritage Auckland, and Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown.

Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort receives sustainability certification

Recently, the Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort was Sustainable Toursim Certified by Ecotourism Australia. In doing so, this property became the second hotel in Darwin to be certified and one of few airport hotels globally. To learn more about this certification, click here.