Corporate Travel News: September 2022
Airlines/Airports.
Australia removes mask mandate for domestic flights
As of 9 September, travellers on board Australian domestic flights can now fly without wearing a face mask, following the National Cabinet’s decision to lift the mandate in early September.
Air New Zealand discontinues mask mandate
As of 13 September, passengers and crew members no longer need to wear a face mask while onboard Air New Zealand flights, following the New Zealand Government’s announcement that face masks are no longer required on inbound international or domestic flights.
Virgin Australia reopens priority lanes at Brisbane and Melbourne Airports
Virgin Australia has reopened priority lanes at Brisbane and Melbourne airports, allowing business class travellers and top-tier Frequent Flyers to spend less time in airport security lines. For the time being, the priority lanes will be open between 5:00 am and 10:00 am on weekdays.
Qantas announces direct Auckland-New York services
Qantas is set to resume flights to New York, with the announcement of a new service from Australia to New York via Auckland. The new service will take off on the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners from 14 June 2023, with three weekly services scheduled initially.
Etihad Airways reveals new Business Class
Etihad Airways has revealed the future Business Studio class suites for its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which have been designed to offer passengers more personal space and privacy. The new suites will debut on Etihad’s eleven new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, expected for delivery in 2023.
American Airlines to launch nonstop seasonal service between DFW and Auckland
As part of their joint partnership with Qantas, American Airlines will launch nonstop winter services between Auckland and Dallas/Fort Worth. These services will run from 29 October 2022 to 25 March 2023, and will operate on American Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring lie-flat beds in Flagship Business and spacious seating in Premium Economy.
Malaysia Airlines increases Australian flights
Malaysia Airlines continues to increase Australian services, with the airline planning to resume most of its pre-pandemic schedule to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth by 1 December. Currently, Malaysia Airlines is operating 10 flights per week into Sydney and Melbourne, and expects to grow this capacity to 14 flight per week throughout November and December.
Qantas plans four daily flights to London
Qantas has revealed plans to introduce four daily services to London by the time the airline’s non-stop Project Sunrise jets take to the skies in 2025. The 18-hour journey will be flown on on the airlines new Airbus 350 jets.
Japan eases testing and allows non-escorted tours
As of 7 September, Japan opened its borders to visitors from all countries and increased the number of permitted daily arrivals to 50,000. For the time being, visitors are still required to book and adhere to itineraries set by travel agents and tour operators. Visitors are also required to provide negative results from a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. For more travel advice, please contact your dedicated consultant or refer to CTM’s COVID Travel Hub.
Gold Coast Airport opens new terminal
As of 8 September, Gold Coast Airport has officially opened it’s highly anticipated new terminal. The new facility is currently being used by domestic travellers, with overseas arrivals to join from 13 October. The new terminal features four glass aerobridges, six gates, a departure lounges offering hinterland and sunset views, as well as baggage handling and border control facilities.
Plaza Premium to open new Adelaide Airport lounge
Plaza Premium is set to open a new international lounge at Adelaide Airport later this year. The pay-in lounge will be open to international passengers on any airline in any class of travel, and is expected to be adopted as a default lounge for many airlines.
Hotels.
IHG Hotels & Resorts launches ‘Stay for Good’ initiative throughout September
As part of its Stay for Good initiative, IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced that $1 from every stay, restaurant and bar bill throughout the month of September will be donated to Oz Harvest. This will help deliver 100,00 meals to Australians facing food insecurity.
Auckland’s voco opens 38th-floor rooftop bar
Voco Auckland City Centre has opened its rooftop food and beverage venue, Bar Albert. Located on the 38th floor of the hotel, the Bar Albert is believed to be the highest rooftop bar in the country and features an open-air deck, private event space and sweeping city views.
Radisson Hotel Group will introduce several new midscale brands to the Australasian market
To cater to growing to growing demand, Radission Hotel Group has announced plans to launch Radisson Individuals, Country Inn and Suites by Radisson and Radisson Red in capital cities across Australia and New Zealand, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
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.