Corporate Travel News: September 2024

Airlines/Airports

Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand codeshare agreement receives the green light

The codeshare agreement between Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand has been approved by regulators in both Australia and New Zealand. This means that Virgin Australia customers can now directly book Air New Zealand flights to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Velocity members will now be able to earn and redeem Velocity Points on these flights and also have access to lounges across the Tasman if eligible. Click here to learn more about this new partnership.

Qantas’ new A321XLR business and economy class

From April next year, Qantas will begin flying its new Airbus A321XLR jets which will offer passengers a new business and economy class experience. This begins with new modernised seats which are almost identical to Qantas’ A220 version. In business class, passengers will be seated in a 2-2 layout with a 37″ pitch, 5″ recline and both calf rests and leg rests. Meanwhile, in economy class, seats will be fitted with a “flip-down” device holder, USB-C power outlets, and extra cushioning.

Singapore Airlines announced as the first international carrier for Western Sydney Airport

The Western Sydney Airport has announced that Singapore Airlines will be its first international carrier. This means that the airline will be joining Qantas and Jetstar as the only carriers that have been revealed so far. This is a significant milestone for the airport, which is scheduled to open in 2026. To learn more about this arrangement, click here.

A look at Air New Zealand’s proposed Skynest Cabin

Air New Zealand has revealed its new proposed product, Skynest, featuring six flat bunk pods for economy travellers on long-haul routes. Skynest aims to provide enhanced comfort and wellbeing by giving travellers the opportunity to pay extra money for a four-hour use of the bunk bed. The research and design process for this product has spanned over five years and it is expected that the first units will debut on select Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner routes this year. Click here to learn more about the pod dimensions, amenities, and other further details.

Australia to introduce a digital ‘incoming passenger card’

Australia is set to replace its incoming passenger card for overseas visitors and returning residents with a digital Australian Travel Declaration (ATD). This will be tested on select flights from New Zealand to Australia later this year with Qantas being selected as the first partner airline for the pilot program. As such, the ATD will be built into the Qantas app and completed by ‘eligible adult passengers.’

Qantas adds its A220 to Sydney-Tasmania flights

Qantas has announced that it will upgrade its Sydney-Tasmania routes to an Airbus A220. Initially, the Sydney to Launceston route will transition from a Boeing 717 to an Airbus A220 starting on Sunday, 27 October. Following that, the Sydney to Hobart route will also be serviced by an A220, starting on Wednesday, 20 November. To learn more about these changes, click here.

Sydney welcomes fast-track travel with the Sydney Gateway

At the beginning of the month, the Sydney Gateway opened for motorist use. This toll-free connection allows people driving to and from Sydney Airport to save an estimated 17 minutes when travelling between the airport and the St Peters Interchange. This interchange connects to the M8, as well as the main M4 and M5 routes to Western Sydney.

Adelaide Airport to receive upgraded security screening

Adelaide Airport plans to enhance its main security screening point by installing body scanners and 3D x-ray bag scanners. This upgrade will eliminate the requirement for passengers to take out laptops or aerosols from their carry-on bags, streamlining the security process.

Virgin expands its regional operations with Embraer E190 jets

Virgin Australia has ordered eight Embraer E190 jets which are set to replace the airline’s Fokker 100s for its regional and charter business, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA). E190s offer a comfortable and quiet ride with just two seats on either side of the aisle. Compared to the outgoing F100, it is also anticipated that the E190s will reduce emissions by approximately 30%. The first of the eight aircraft is expected to arrive from October 2025.

Qantas boosts New York flights

Qantas has announced that it will be increasing from four to six flights per week on its Sydney-Auckland-New York route. This increase will come into effect from 10 October this year, with QF3 departing Sydney and Auckland every day, except Tuesday. Read on to learn more about these changes.

Delta begins international free WiFi rollout

In partnership with T-Mobile, Delta rolled out free WiFi across more than 90% of its domestic fleet. However, this rollout has now expanded to international routes with Paris CDG and Nice becoming the first long-haul international routes to offer this service. It is expected that this service will be rolled out to the transpacific region and South Africa during 2025. Click here to learn more about this WiFi offering.

Qantas to return to Rome in 2025

Beginning 14 June 2025, Qantas will recommence its seasonal Sydney-Perth-Rome service. This will run three times weekly on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday, helping connect travellers to many other popular European destinations via Qantas’ partner airlines.

Singapore Airlines and Qantas to trial ‘user-preferred routing’

It has been announced that Qantas and Singapore Airlines will partake in a three-month trial, aimed at reducing flight times by using ‘user-preferred routing.’ Rather than flying between a set of fixed corridors, pilots will be able to steer their own way by selecting the most direct and efficient path through international airspace boundaries. This will be trialled until early November in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Indonesia, spanning across 38 routes.

Hotels

Best Western Adelaide Airport opens

Situated directly across from Adelaide Airport, the Best Western Adelaide Airport has made its long-awaited opening. Following its renovation, the property has become a contemporary airport hotel, offering guests a comfortable experience with underfloor heating systems and double-glazed windows. It also features a restaurant and bar, an airport shuttle service and EV charging facilities.

Introducing Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton

The Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton, signifying a new milestone in its expansion strategy within the APAC region. This 89-room contemporary hotel is situated in Parkville, just 3km from Melbourne’s CBD and located proximally to leisure attractions, universities, and recreation centres.

Ramada by Wyndham Marcoola Beach Refurbishment begins

A $2 million refurbishment is underway at Ramada by Wyndham Marcoola Beach with 24 apartments and rooms set to receive extensive upgrades. This refurbishment will honour the property’s heritage on the Sunshine Coast while providing a modern, innovative experience for guests. In particular, the new look will see a blue and white colour palette, vinyl timber flooring, new artwork, and the incorporation of natural minerals inspired by the beachfront location.