Corporate Travel News: September 2023

Airlines/Airports

Virgin introduces bag-tracking technology

Virgin Australia has launched its app-based baggage tracking system across over two-thirds of its domestic network, following a pilot program in May. Passengers departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, and Launceston can track the status of their checked baggage through the Virgin Australia app. Although it does not provide live tracking, the app sends push notifications when the luggage is checked in, transferred to an international partner airline where necessary, ready for collection, and at which baggage carousel.

United Airlines increases key international routes

Recently, United Airlines announced that it will be increasing its flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston. This expansion will make United the leading carrier between Brisbane and the US, as well as the largest US carrier in Australian skies. As part of this initiative, new routes will be added, and some services will increase to daily or double-daily frequencies.

Qantas announce various schedule boosts

Last month, Qantas announced various schedule boosts across its international routes. From July 2024, Qantas will upgrade its Sydney-Johannesburg route to an Airbus A380, almost doubling the available seats. At this same time, Sydney-Los Angeles will increase from 8 to 9 flights weekly and Melbourne-Los Angeles will have more A380 flights. Additionally, Sydney-Auckland-New York will move to a daily service from August 2024.

The NZTD rolls out nationwide

After an earlier trial at Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington Airport, the digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) is now available nationwide. The NZTD can be completed in a web-based browser or using an app on iPhones or Androids and takes about 10 minutes to complete. A paper version is still available for those who cannot complete it online.

Singapore Airlines boost Australian flights

Singapore Airlines has confirmed that an extra 20 flights per week will be added to its Australian schedule. These new flights will include routes between Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, and Singapore, commencing from November 2023 until April 2024. In addition, the Sydney, Adelaide and Cairns routes will all see aircraft and schedule changes.

Qatar Airways now flying direct Doha-Auckland

This month, Qatar Airways reintroduced a direct Doha to Auckland flight, departing daily. Passengers will travel on an Airbus A350, which provides 281 economy seats and 46 business class suites. The service previously made a stop in Adelaide before reaching Auckland.

Auckland Airport to continue terminal upgrades

Due to lower-than-anticipated international travel demand, the Auckland International Airport has delayed the construction of its second runway until 2041. However, the airport has commenced its plans to merge the international and domestic terminals, making travel easier and faster. This will mark the largest renovation in the airport’s history with plans to create new roading and transit options, terminal integration, renovations to the existing domestic terminal, and expanded apron and runways among various other changes.

Qantas LAX schedule changes

Starting late March 2024, Qantas will change its schedule for the daily Sydney to Los Angeles service, moving the departure time from mid-morning to 5:15 p.m. with a 2 p.m. landing in LA. This will reduce the time the superjumbos sit at LAX and better suit LA hotel check-ins. Note that at the time of writing this, not all QF11 flights have been changed to this new time.

Rex adds Hobart-Melbourne flights

Last month, Regional Express started operating daily direct flights between Hobart and Melbourne, providing an additional 128,000 seats per year between the two destinations. This is great for business and leisure travellers alike, as the additional capacity boosts flight availability between the two key markets.

Rex introduces Brisbane-Adelaide flights

Starting on 30 October, Rex Airlines will be offering a daily service between Brisbane and Adelaide using its Boeing 737 aircraft. This news will be welcomed by both business and leisure travellers, as the Brisbane to Adelaide market is still below pre-Covid levels. The introduction of this service is a sign of Rex’s continued growth in the domestic market, as it strives to expand its reach to all capital cities.

China Southern Airlines return to Brisbane

From 17 November, China Southern Airlines will resume four weekly flights between Brisbane and Guangzhou. Flights will depart Brisbane on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday using an Airbus A350, and return the following day. The airline plans to increase flights over the next two years, aiming for daily flights.

The latest seasonal menu for Qantas

Qantas’ flagship lounges in Sydney and Melbourne have recently updated their seasonal menu with new dishes and a refreshed wine and cocktail list. One exciting change is the introduction of rhubarb and orange on the buttermilk pancakes for breakfast, replacing the previous pears and hazelnut option. The all day dining menu has undergone the most significant changes, including the addition of Balinese-style duck salad and 8-hour soy braised beef brisket among other dishes. The drinks menu has also been updated, with a completely new wine selection and the introduction of new cocktails, such as the Watermelon Palmoa.

Air Canada named North America’s favourite airline

At the 2023 Trazee Awards, Air Canada was named the ‘Favourite Airline in North America’ for the 5th consecutive year. This can be attributed to the airline’s product and service upgrades that have bolstered its comfort and convenience. The Trazee Awards are selected by the readers of trazeeawards.com with an audience in the 25-40 age demographic.

Air New Zealand reintroduce Boeing 787 on Auckland-Perth

After almost 12 months, Air New Zealand is reintroducing its Boeing 787 on 29 October this year, replacing the Wamos Air leased aircraft and crew. The arrangement was initially established to free up the Dreamliner as a backup aircraft for unforeseeable circumstances, with its return a sign of confidence for the airline in its capacity to handle interruptions.

Rex expand WA regional routes

Following a competitive tender process, Rex has been re-awarded three regulated Western Australia routes; Perth – Albany, Perth – Esperance and Perth – Carnarvon. To facilitate the strong demand for these routes, Rex will have to expand its current seat capacity with additional services. The new contracts for these routes will commence on 2 October 2023.

Air New Zealand rolls out live sports TV

At the beginning of this month, Air New Zealand started rolling out live streaming of the Sport 24 TV channel on its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft. Sport 24 is a dedicated sports channel that is also available on other airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Fiji Airways. The channel covers a variety of sports including rugby union, football, NFL, NRL, AFL, and tennis, among others.

Rex to launch frequent flyer program

When presenting its FY23 financial presentation, Regional Express revealed it is looking to introduce a domestic frequent flyer program shortly. The presentation indicated that this will launch during Q1 FY24 and as such, this program should be weeks away from implementation. The program details are yet to be revealed.

Hotels

The Star Grand Brisbane design revealed

From April 2024, Queen’s Wharf will open in stages, bringing new energy to Brisbane City. The development will consist of 3 hotels and more than 50 food and beverage options. The centrepiece will be The Star Grand Brisbane, a luxury 340-room hotel with a range of dining options, sports bars, and a 360-degree signature cocktail bar. The hotel’s event centre will become Brisbane’s largest hotel ballroom and will have enough capacity to accommodate up to 2000 guests. In addition, the Queen’s Wharf precinct will include a Dorsett hotel and Australia’s first Rosewood hotel.

EVT to bring a new Rydges to Sydney

EVT Hotels & Resorts have taken over management of the CBD-located Tank Stream Hotel in Sydney and plan to refurbish and rebrand it as Rydges Australian Square by mid-2024. The hotel boasts 273 rooms, a restaurant and wine bar, and event facilities for small to medium bespoke events.

Grand Hyatt Singapore to reopen in early 2024

Having closed in September 2022, the Grand Hyatt Singapore has been progressively working towards its long-awaited reopening for almost one year now. The hotel was previously anticipating an opening before Christmas this year, however, due to delays, this has now been pushed back to 2024 in the form of a phased approach; The Terrace Wing and its facilities will re-open in Q1 2024 while the guestrooms in the Grand Wing will open later in 2024. Accommodation bookings will be available once the reopening date is confirmed, although the hotel is already accepting enquiries for groups and events next year.

First NH Hotel announced in Australia

Minor Hotels has announced plans for its first NH Hotel in Australia with the launch of NH Sydney Airport. Set for completion in 2026, this new-build property will be located at 102-106 Robey Street, Mascot which is conveniently 7 kilometres from the Sydney CBD and in the vicinity of Sydney’s domestic and international airports. It will suit corporate and leisure travellers, with over 90 hotel rooms, a lobby restaurant and bar, and modern communal spaces.

Moxy brand debuts at Sydney Airport

Marriott’s lifestyle brand, Moxy, has debuted in Australia with the opening of Moxy Sydney Airport, located just 10 minutes away from Sydney International Airport. It offers guests 301 rooms and a range of innovative amenities, including a multi-functional work and social lobby space. Additionally, there are 5 meeting studios available for private events, each featuring unique designs to inspire creativity and move away from traditional meeting spaces.

Mantra Melbourne Airport to undergo refurbishment

In 2024, the Mantra Melbourne Airport, formerly known as Mantra Tullamarine, is set to undergo major renovations. The guestrooms will be revamped and the bar and restaurant will be upgraded to offer guests a fresh and unforgettable experience. These improvements will complement the existing facilities, including 8 modern and versatile conference and event spaces.

Minor Hotels launch Perth offering

Last month, Minor Hotels officially launched the Oaks Perth Hotel, marking the first Oaks offering in Western Australia. The newly-acquired 180-room hotel is located centrally in Perth’s CBD and offers a range of self-contained studio accommodation options. The hotel’s event facilities include two conference and event rooms spanning a combined 240 sqm which can host up to 90 guests banquet-style and 120 guests for cocktails.

Accor to open second Sebel Hotel in Wellington

Accor plans to open a second Sebel Hotel in Wellington this September, following a deal with Sarin Hotels. The hotel will be nine storeys high, with 72 rooms, secure on-site parking, and within walking distance of the city’s business district.

TFE Hotels announces new hotel in Melbourne’s Southbank

In September 2025, TFE Hotels and joint venture partners will open the Hannah St. Hotel, a 188-room boutique hotel in Melbourne’s Southbank. The hotel will be part of the Collection by TFE Hotels brand and located at the nexus of Melbourne CBD, the Yarra River, South Melbourne and the Arts Precinct. The hotel will feature a restaurant, two bars, and event space across its 10 levels.

Peppers Manly Beach opens

Accor’s Peppers Manly Beach has recently opened, marking the beginning of a new and exciting era of hospitality in the Manly region. Offering breathtaking coastal views, the hotel presents guests with studio and apartment accommodation options complemented by amenities such as swimming pools and secure underground parking. The hotel also has two meeting and event spaces that can seat up to 35 people and 16 people in a banquet style.

BWH Hotels to open a new hotel in Perth

In mid-2026, BWH Hotels is slated to bring its lifestyle hotel brand, Aiden, to the Sydney Charles Quarter development in West Perth. The six-storey hotel will include 120 rooms, a rooftop bar and restaurant and conference and event spaces that include a unique outdoor event lawn and pool with a lounge area. The construction of this hotel and the interconnected urban village precinct will begin in mid-2024.

IHG debut Indigo hotel brand in Victoria

IHG Hotels & Resorts have just recently opened Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders. This marks the debut of the Indigo brand in Victoria, offering guests a lifestyle boutique option inspired by the history of the Flinders Lane neighbourhood. The 216-room hotel offers ergonomic workspaces, a bar and restaurant and meeting and event spaces that are due for completion next year.

The Huka Lodge to undergo significant renovations

New Zealand’s Huka Lodge is set to undergo significant renovations, signalling a new era of luxury travel. Overall, the site will see a stylish refurbishment that continues to embrace its long-standing Huka heritage. Externally, the lodge will be transformed with a new entrance and upgrades to the outdoor lounging and dining spaces. Meanwhile, the lodge’s interior will be transformed by adding floor-to-ceiling windows and wider doors to take full advantage of its riverside setting.

Geelong Convention Centre to acknowledge cultural history

It has been revealed that Geelong’s new convention centre will be called ‘Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre’ once it opens in 2026. Meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills,’ the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation graciously gifted the new name allowing the development to ‘return language to Country.’

Hilton Hotels launch a new Kyoto offering

Hilton Hotels has opened the DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama, signifying its latest Japanese expansion. Located in Kyoto’s historic district, the seven-storey hotel will feature 158 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a public bath and a fitness centre.

Wyndham to expand US operation

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has signed a new agreement with LuxUrban Hotels to add 16 existing properties in the US to its global collection. This will see the collection grow by approximately 1,400 rooms with the addition of properties located in key cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington.