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Corporate Travel News: September 2021

Airlines/Airports.

Virgin Australia updates Accelerate program

Virgin Australia has released details of its newly updated Accelerate loyalty program for small and medium-sized businesses. As of 6 October 2021, Accelerate members will benefit from a 4% discount on Economy Flex fares (previously called Freedom) and a 6% discount on Business fares.

 

Virgin launches incentive scheme for vaccinated travellers

Virgin Australia is offering fully vaccinated Australians the chance to win a million Velocity Frequent Flyer points, dozens of free business class flights plus a range of other prizes under the airline’s VA-X & Win promotion.

 

Qantas launches vaccination rewards program

As of 24 August, fully vaccinated Australian-based Frequent Flyers who are 18 and over will be able to claim a reward through the Qantas App by choosing one of three options: 1000 Qantas points, 15 status credits (which help Frequent Flyers move up between Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers) or a $20 flight discount for Qantas or Jetstar.

 

VA expands Platinum upgrades to economy Elevate fares

For a limited time, Virgin Australia’s Velocity Platinum frequent flyers can use their complimentary ‘UpgradeMe Platinum’ credits for semi-flexible Elevate fares. Upgrading from the mid-range Elevate fares will be possible for journeys booked and taken by 31 October 2021.

 

Air New Zealand considers non-stop Auckland-New York in 2022

Air New Zealand’s non-stop 18-hour flight to New York could resume in 2022, with passengers showing a preference for direct routes since the pandemic began. The 14,200km route was expected to launch in October 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic.

 

Virgin to re-open Club lounges at SYD, MEL & BNE

Virgin Australia will re-open its standalone and exclusive Club lounges in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane no later than the end of March 2022. While VA’s Perth and Canberra Club lounges will remain closed, premium members will continue to be welcomed at the airline’s domestic lounges.


Qantas extends Frequent Flyer statuses until 2023

Australian and New Zealand-based Qantas Frequent Flyers will be able to retain their current Silver, Gold, Platinum or Platinum One status for an additional year, by booking an eligible flight prior to their membership year-end, for travel until June 2022. The airline is also extending Qantas Club memberships until early 2022.

 

New Zealand to trial open borders for business travel

The New Zealand Government has announced its latest goals for reopening the country, with a sped-up vaccine program and border opening trials for vaccinated workers this October. The trial would allow vaccinated business travellers to self-isolate at home after their travels, with quarantine-free travel for vaccinated Kiwis expected from the first quarter of 2022.

 

British Airways launches BA Better World

British Airways has launched its new sustainability program, BA Better World, marking the airline’s commitment to put sustainability at the heart of its business. The program includes a detailed plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, including investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft, improving operational efficiency and investing in the development of sustainable aviation fuel and zero emissions aircraft.

 

 

Hotels.

IHG launches new luxury lifestyle brand Vignette Collection

International Hotel Group has expanded is portfolio of 17 hotel brands with the addition of a new luxury hotel chain, Vignette Collection. The first hotels to join are Brisbane’s five-star Hotel X and Pattaya Aquatique hotel in Thailand.

 

Vibe Hotel Adelaide

Just six minutes from the Adelaide Convention Centre, the Vibe Hotel Adelaide is now scheduled to open in November 2022. The 19-storey building will offer 123 rooms with floor to ceiling windows, as well as a variety of meeting spaces and onsite restaurants and bars. Targeting modern millennial visitors, the hotel’s wow factor comes from a suspended swimming pool bridging the two accommodation towers.

 

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.