Corporate Travel News: August 2025

Airlines/Airports

Qantas and Virgin review power bank policies following safety concerns

Qantas and Virgin Australia may tighten rules on USB battery packs after a suspected lithium-ion battery fire on a Virgin flight. Virgin advises passengers to keep power banks close and avoid using them on board, while Qantas warns against using or charging them during flights. Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires through “thermal runaway,” so airlines worldwide ban them in checked baggage and require carry-on storage. The FAA reports rising battery incidents, and many Asian airlines now ban in-flight use and charging of power banks.

New ETIAS entry rule for Australians visiting Europe starts 2026

From late 2026, Australians visiting Europe’s Schengen Area will need ETIAS, a digital travel authorisation costing AU$36 and valid for three years. It allows multiple short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The quick online application usually gets instant approval. ETIAS applies to visa waiver travellers but not to those visiting Ireland, the UK, or holding a visa. Some exemptions apply. The system improves border security. Beware of unofficial websites before their launch.

Air New Zealand to expand Koru Lounge at Auckland Airport

Air New Zealand is planning a major upgrade to its Koru Lounge at Auckland International Airport, nearly doubling its size to 3,700sqm, making it the airline’s biggest lounge yet. The new design will create two distinct areas: one for Airpoints Elite and Business Premier customers, and another for Airpoints Gold, Star Alliance Gold, Airpoints Silver, and Koru members. Seating will increase by 70%, with dedicated spaces for work, relaxation, families, and a new spot for the barista bar. Drawing inspiration from Aotearoa’s natural beauty, construction starts early 2026, with the lounge opening in stages through late 2027.

Claiming airport lounge memberships on tax

If you use airport lounges like Qantas Club, Virgin Australia Lounge, or Priority Pass for work travel, you may be able to claim the membership as a tax deduction. According to the ATO, the full cost is deductible if it’s used only for business. If you also use it for personal travel, you can still claim the business portion. Keeping a travel diary can help track how often it’s work-related. As always, it’s best to check with a tax professional to make sure it applies to your situation.

Emirates reopens First Class check-in lounge at Dubai Airport

Emirates has reopened its private check-in area at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 for First Class passengers and Skywards Platinum members, now known as “Emirates First.” The space features a stunning golden entrance, personalised service, cozy lounge seating, and iPad check-in with dedicated baggage belts. Guests enjoy a smooth move through immigration and access to Emirates’ luxurious First-Class lounges. This refresh is part of Emirates’ ongoing commitment to premium travel, including onboard upgrades like unlimited caviar and enhanced hospitality, reinforcing its status as the world’s largest international First-Class airline.

Nexus Airlines adjusts network from September 2025

Nexus Airlines has announced an upcoming schedule change to our Northern Routes services operating between Broome, Kununurra, and Darwin. Unfortunately, these services will be suspended from Tuesday, 2 September. The final flight will be from Kununurra to Darwin on Monday, 1 September. Please note, there will be no service operating from Darwin – Kununurra – Broome on that day.

How to fast-track your Australian passport renewal

Renewing your Australian passport? Standard processing takes up to six weeks, but there are ways to speed it up without paying the $300 Priority fee. If eligible, use the streamlined renewal option which is faster and needs less paperwork. Lodge your application at a General Post Office for quicker courier service. You can also collect your passport in person or pay $104 for the five-day fast-track service. Using one or more of these options can help cut down your wait time.

Velocity and AGL offer up to 18,000 points on mobile and internet plans

Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer and AGL have expanded their partnership, offering up to 18,000 Velocity Points for members who sign up or switch to select AGL mobile or internet plans. No energy account is required, and members can save up to $150 in the first six months. Points are awarded monthly over six months, with prices rising after that period. The partnership highlights a growing trend of earning travel rewards through everyday household spending, though members should review plan costs to ensure value.

Emirates plans $2B A380 upgrade with luxury cabin refresh

Emirates is preparing a major upgrade of its A380s, with a $2 billion refit program paving the way for a future redesign of first and business class. New suites may be based on the airline’s “game-changer” 777 design, featuring more privacy and luxury. Recent refurbishments include lighter cabin interiors, refreshed bars, updated first class shower suites, and a new 56-seat premium economy section. Faster WiFi has also been installed, with free access for Emirates Skywards members. These changes aim to keep the A380 fleet flying competitively into the 2030s and possibly beyond.

Jetstar launches first direct flights to Cebu from Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport has reached a record 34 nonstop international destinations with the launch of Jetstar’s new seasonal route to Cebu, Philippines, starting 3 December. It will be the first direct flight between Australia and Cebu, operating three times a week using Jetstar’s fuel-efficient A321LR aircraft. The route marks Jetstar’s 7th international service from Brisbane and reflects its ongoing growth in Asia. Brisbane Airport has also returned to pre-COVID passenger levels, with global growth driven by new routes and increased capacity from major airlines.

Qatar Airways offers Qsuite guarantee for missed business class experience

Qatar Airways’ Qsuite is one of the world’s top business class experiences, but rare aircraft swaps due to technical or operational issues can mean missing out. To address this, Qatar offers a little-known Qsuite Guarantee. While not detailed on its website, the airline confirmed to Executive Traveller that affected passengers may be rebooked on another Qsuite flight within 21 days at no extra cost. Fare differences and rebooking fees are waived, but the guarantee only applies to Qatar Airways-operated flights, not partner-operated services like those by Virgin Australia.

Qatar Airways launches Privilege Club Pro subscription

Qatar Airways has introduced Privilege Club Pro a subscription service letting members earn Avios and Qpoints monthly the first of its kind for an Avios program Created with Points a Plusgrade company it offers four tiers from 2500 to 20000 Avios per month with the highest tier earning 5 Qpoints monthly The service helps members boost rewards maintain or upgrade status and access exclusive events like FIFA and Formula 1 Subscriptions can be purchased on Qatar Airways website or app with flexible plans.

Qantas and Air France-KLM expand perks for flyers

Qantas and Air France-KLM are growing their partnership to give frequent flyers even more perks. Air France will add its flight code to Qantas’ direct Paris–Perth route, making trips between France and Australia easier. Flying Blue members can now use their miles to book Qantas A380 first class seats and, for those at the Ultimate tier, enjoy access to Qantas first class lounges. While these changes mainly help Flying Blue members for now, a deeper loyalty integration is on the way, which could include status benefits and earning points on Qantas flights.

United Airlines launches app upgrades to simplify flight connections

United Airlines has launched new mobile app features to make connecting flights easier, including turn-by-turn directions with walk times, real-time flight updates, layover tips, and alerts if a flight is held using ConnectionSaver technology. Tested by over 350,000 users with a 98% success rate, the tools adapt to different connection scenarios, comfortable, tight, or missed and offer automatic rebooking when needed. With over 20 million connecting travellers this summer, United plans to update more languages, live location tracking, and personalised text alerts, continuing its push to enhance the travel experience through innovative technology.

British Airways to roll out new A380 cabins

British Airways will start upgrading its A380 fleet from mid-2026 to 2028, introducing new First-Class suites and replacing Club World with Club Suites. The updated First Class will have 12 private suites with sliding doors, 4K screens, and luxury British-inspired design. Business class will grow by 13% with 110 Club Suites, and premium economy will nearly double to 84 seats. Nearly half the A380 will be dedicated to premium cabins, reflecting BA’s focus on high-value travellers.

Airlines upgrade A350 cabins with more suites and premium economy

The Airbus A350 has become a global success, with around 660 in service. As many reach the eight-year mark, airlines are upgrading cabins to stay competitive, especially in premium classes. Business class suites with sliding doors have grown from under 10 aircraft in 2018 to over 120 today, with popular designs like Qsuites, Vantage XL, and Safran Unity. Premium economy is also expanding, now featured on nearly 75% of A350s delivered by the end of 2023, with continued growth expected through new aircraft and retrofits.

Air New Zealand partners with OpenAI to boost AI use

Air New Zealand has teamed up with OpenAI in a groundbreaking partnership here in Aotearoa to bring AI into more areas of the airline. As one of the first in the Asia-Pacific to adopt OpenAI’s enterprise tools, they’re rolling out ChatGPT Enterprise (called Companion AI) to 3,500 corporate staff. They’re also exploring ways AI can help in customer service, maintenance, and operations. The project includes creating over 1,500 Custom GPTs to simplify tasks and improve decision-making. For Air New Zealand, this marks a big step in their digital transformation, with a strong commitment to using AI responsibly and ethically.

Air New Zealand launches national search for New Zealand’s big dreamers

On 8 July 2025, Air New Zealand launched Dream Seats, offering over 100 free flights to help Kiwis take the next step in sports, business, science, or the arts, both locally and internationally. CEO Greg Foran said the initiative reflects the airline’s strong commitment to supporting homegrown talent. High-profile ambassadors, including Ryan Fox, Dame Valerie Adams, Shaun Johnson, Josh Emett, Simran Kaur, and Tom Sainsbury, will each award two Dream Seats and provide mentoring to recipients.

Singapore Airlines deepens commercial cooperation with Garuda Indonesia

Singapore Airlines and Garuda Indonesia are expanding their partnership from August 2025 with joint fare sales, more codeshare destinations, and reciprocal lounge access. Travellers can book flights across both carriers within one itinerary and enjoy broader connectivity between Singapore, Indonesia, India, and the Maldives. Frequent flyers will benefit from shared lounge access and mileage rewards. Both airlines are also increasing flight frequencies between Singapore and Jakarta to meet growing demand.

Qatar Airways to Restart Canberra Flights via Melbourne

Qatar Airways will resume flights to Canberra in December 2025, reconnecting the city to Doha and beyond. The new daily service will route via Melbourne, replacing the current Adelaide-Melbourne-Doha flight. The 18-hour journey includes a 2.5-hour stopover in Melbourne each way. Flights will use Boeing 777 aircraft with Qsuites and free Starlink WiFi. This relaunch aligns with Virgin Australia’s new Melbourne–Doha route and strengthens Qatar Airways’ commitment to Australia. The airline is also expanding globally, increasing services to key cities including London, Tokyo, and Toronto.

Hotels

Marriott to Rebrand Vibe Hotel Gold Coast as AC Hotel in 2026

Vibe Hotel Gold Coast, recently bought by KS Hotels and Resorts, is set for a complete makeover and will reopen as AC Hotel Gold Coast by mid-2026. Located in Surfers Paradise, the upgraded hotel will offer 202 rooms, dining options, a pool, gym, and a 120-person event space. It will be Marriott’s second AC Hotel in Australia and part of a bigger plan to open 50 hotels across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific by 2027. Marriott says the rebrand taps into strong demand from hotel owners wanting to join their global network and reach more travelers, including their 228 million Bonvoy members.

Crown Perth unveils major food and entertainment upgrade

Crown Perth is undergoing a multi-million-dollar redevelopment to add over a dozen new food, beverage, and entertainment venues its biggest investment in nearly a decade. The project includes a luxury wine bar, beer garden, and an international food hall called the Urban Food District, featuring global cuisines, three new bars, and a hidden speakeasy. The development will create 150 construction jobs and additional hospitality roles once open. Local firm Hoskins is leading the build, with Crown aiming to enhance Perth’s dining and entertainment scene.

Oaks Hotels Rebrands Nesuto Stadium Hotel as Oaks Auckland Hotel

Oaks Hotels has rebranded Auckland’s Nesuto Stadium Hotel as Oaks Auckland Hotel under a long-term deal with Mulpha International. The 244-room property, near Spark Arena and the waterfront, offers modern rooms, self-contained apartments, and updated dining at DASH. New features include a co-working lobby, fitness centre, and community wellness activities. This move supports Minor Hotels’ growth in Australasia.

Atura Adelaide Airport adds 28 new compact rooms to boost revenue

Atura Adelaide Airport has added 28 new rooms, introducing three compact room types: Snuggy, Snuggy Plus, and a Family room as part of EVT’s strategy to maximise assets and boost revenue. Inspired by space-saving global trends and social accommodation models like Lylo, the new designs combine affordability with essential amenities. Snuggy rooms feature clever cabin-style layouts with King beds, compact en-suites, and foldaway desks, while Snuggy Plus adds a TV and a lounge chair. The Family room includes a King bed, bunk beds, a lounge, and a dining area, offering flexibility for future Atura developments.

 

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