Corporate Travel News: February 2026

 

Airlines/Airports

QantasLink launches first international A220 service from Brisbane

QantasLink’s next-generation Airbus A220 has launched its first international scheduled service from Brisbane to Wellington, flying up to three times a week. The 137-seat aircraft offers quieter, more fuel-efficient operations, larger windows, modern cabins with Business and Economy seating, fast Wi-Fi, and device charging, enhancing passenger comfort while reducing noise and emissions.

Qantas expands Auckland as key eastern hub

Qantas is positioning Auckland as a key eastern hub, backed by a new flagship international business lounge and strong trans-Tasman and partner connectivity. The Sydney–Auckland–New York service will expand to daily flights and continue even after direct Australia–New York routes launch, complementing rather than replacing them. Despite growing competition from Air New Zealand, Qantas sees New Zealand as a strategic growth market and plans further expansion alongside Jetstar.

Non-stop Qantas flights to Las Vegas are set to take off

This month, Qantas is operating special non-stop Boeing 787 flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Las Vegas, carrying Rugby League fans to the 28 February 2026, NRL season kick-off at Allegiant Stadium. The services allow Qantas to test demand for direct Australia–Vegas flights, with the city’s tourism appeal and major conventions adding to potential market growth. While no permanent schedules have been announced yet, Qantas and Jetstar are exploring seasonal and future routes, supported by upcoming fleet expansions, including new 787s and long-range A321XLRs, with Jetstar eyeing a possible Brisbane–Vegas service.

Qatar Airways upgrades business and first class with new dining and cocktails

Qatar Airways is upgrading its business and first-class experience with a new in-flight dining and cocktail program. Australian chef Ross Lusted has crafted a menu highlighting seasonal, sustainable Australian produce, featuring both seafood and meat dishes. Complementing the food, globally renowned mixologist Lorenzo Antinori has created a signature cocktail collection, with four cocktails available in both cabins and three exclusives to each. Some cocktails differ between the Airbus A380’s upper deck lounge and the main cabin, and non-alcoholic mocktails are also available.

Qantas to debut next-generation A350-1000 business class suites

In 2026, Qantas will debut its next-generation A350-1000 business class suites, featuring sliding doors, fully lie-flat beds, 18-inch screens, Bluetooth audio, USB-C and wireless charging, and a quiet, residential-style cabin. These suites will launch on ultra-long-haul flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York in mid-2027, with short Australia–New Zealand hops planned first to train crew and give frequent flyers an early chance to experience the new cabins.

British Airways updates 787-9 with Club Suites and premium economy

British Airways is updating its Boeing 787-9 fleet with new Club Suites business class and a refreshed World Traveller Plus premium economy seat. The updated premium economy seats feature privacy wings, leather headrests, improved upholstery, deep side pockets, and USB-C power outlets, though the entertainment screens remain unchanged. This upgrade is part of BA’s £7 billion transformation programme, which will also introduce new first-class suites on the Airbus A380 from mid-2026 and on the upcoming Boeing 777-9 jets.

Qantas and Virgin Australia lounge guest rules explained

Lounge guest policies vary between Qantas and Virgin Australia. Qantas permits business class and Bronze members to bring one guest, Platinum members up to two, with children and infants allowed in addition to these limits. Virgin Australia requires lounge membership or Velocity Gold/Platinum status to bring guests: Velocity Platinum members can bring up to three, while Velocity Gold and VA lounge members can bring one, with children included. Additional guests can be admitted for $65 each.

Anytime Fitness opens fully equipped gym at Sydney Airport T1

Anytime Fitness has opened a fully-equipped gym at Sydney Airport’s T1 international terminal, allowing passengers and staff to work out before flights. The facility offers the full range of equipment, catering to fitness enthusiasts and airport workers, with discounted VIP Foundation Memberships available. The move reflects Sydney Airport’s focus on lifestyle-focused services and enhancing the passenger experience beyond traditional retail, responding to growing demand for flexible wellbeing options.

Qantas to increase Emirates points redemptions

Qantas is increasing Emirates points redemptions from 31 March 2026: first class +20%, business 6–10%, economy ~10%, and premium economy ~30%. Sydney–Dubai business rises to 143,000 points, Sydney–London first class to 299,300 points, plus fees. First class rewards will be limited to Qantas Silver members or higher, and children under nine can no longer be booked with points.

Qantas finalises business class design for new A321XLR fleet

Qantas is finalising its business class suites for 16 new Airbus A321XLR jets, which will enter service from 2028 on domestic transcontinental and short- to medium-haul international routes. Unlike earlier A321XLRs with recliner seats, these aircraft will feature fully lie-flat beds and HD screens. The airline is balancing innovation, safety approvals, cost, weight, and customisation in selecting seats, which will define Qantas’ premium experience on longer flights like Sydney–Perth and connecting routes such as Brisbane–Perth–London.

Qantas goes flat-out with new XLR business class

Qantas is closing in on a fully lie-flat business class design for its Airbus A321XLR fleet, which will enter international service from 2028. The 16 jets will fly transcontinental routes like East Coast–Perth and short- to medium-haul international services across Asia, replacing domestic-style recliners with flatbeds and HD screens, as Qantas balances innovation, certification risk and supply-chain constraints to deliver a consistent premium experience.

Qantas launches Economy Plus

Qantas has launched Economy Plus, offering extra legroom and priority boarding for an added fee, with prices starting from $30 on short domestic routes and $70 on transcontinental flights. The seats offer 34–38 inches of pitch, compared to standard economy, and will be rolled out across most domestic flights from February 2026, with expansion to Asia-bound A330s from mid-2026. Top-tier frequent flyers can access Economy Plus and Forward seating at no extra cost.

Icebergs Group opens new dining venue at Sydney Airport Qantas Terminal

Icebergs Group has opened a new Dining Room and Bar at Sydney Airport’s Qantas Domestic Terminal, offering Icebergs Caffè To Go for quick bites and Icebergs Bar and Kitchen for casual or full-service dining with signature cocktails and classics such as the Iceburger. Designed to evoke Bondi’s oceanic feel, the space combines convenience with the warmth and sophistication of the original IDRB brand, featuring locally sourced ingredients and artisan beverages.
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar redefines dining at Sydney Airport’s Qantas Domestic Terminal | The Hotel Conversation

Qantas First Class lounge updates at Heathrow

Qantas still intends to open a new First-Class lounge at London Heathrow, but the timeline has shifted from 2025 to around 2027–2028, aligning with the launch of Project Sunrise nonstop flights from Australia. The delay is due to space constraints at Heathrow’s Terminal 3, with the current Qantas London Lounge set to become a Business Class lounge once a suitable location is secured.

Fast-track Star Alliance Gold with Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Gold

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Gold unlocks 1,000+ airport lounges, extra checked luggage, priority check-in, boarding, and benefits across Star Alliance and Virgin Australia. Normally requiring 50,000 miles, it can be earned instantly with the HSBC Star Alliance Gold credit card by spending $4,000 in 90 days. Status lasts 12 months, earns Star Alliance Points on everyday spending, and can include an extra cardholder to boost points, making it a fast track to smoother, more convenient travel.

How Emirates plans to reinvent economy class

Emirates is developing a next-generation economy class seat aimed at improving comfort on long-haul flights, with president Sir Tim Clark calling it a potential “game-changer” and confirming the design won’t be patented so it can benefit the wider industry. The concept focuses on smarter ergonomics rather than wider seats or extra legroom, including a taller seat design, and a prototype is already in development, though certification and manufacturing challenges remain.

Singapore Airlines to operate four-times weekly non-stop flights to Riyadh

Singapore Airlines will launch four-times-weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh in June 2026 using an Airbus A350-900 with 40 Business and 263 Economy seats. Flights SQ498 and SQ499 will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, subject to regulatory approvals. Riyadh becomes the airline group’s second Saudi destination, complementing Scoot’s service to Jeddah, offering both business and leisure travelers new options in the Kingdom’s capital.

Qantas boosts Sydney–Sapporo flights

Qantas is doubling capacity on its Sydney–Sapporo route for the 2026/27 season, increasing flights from three to up to five per week and adding over 10,000 seats to meet strong demand for Hokkaido’s ski season. As the only airline offering non-stop service between the two cities, Qantas has carried nearly 10,000 passengers since launching and aims to strengthen Australia–Japan travel connections while providing more choice for winter travellers.

Qantas shuts down regional lounges for refresh

Qantas has begun a rolling refurbishment of seven regional lounges, starting with Rockhampton, adding refreshed interiors, new seating, and upgraded power options, including USB-C and wireless charging. The updates follow recent lounge openings in Adelaide and Auckland and form part of a broader investment in ground experience, with temporary closures scheduled across Gladstone, Kalgoorlie, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Mackay and Karratha through March.

Inflight Wi-Fi transforms long-haul travel

High-speed inflight connectivity is transforming long-haul travel, turning time once lost offline into productive, connected hours at 35,000 feet. With services such as Starlink now enabling meetings, collaboration and streaming mid-flight, business travellers can arrive prepared rather than playing catch-up, as airlines such as Qatar Airways roll out ultra-fast Wi-Fi across their long-haul fleets to meet growing expectations and support the evolving balance between work and personal time.

Why Australians are flocking back to Hong Kong

In 2025, Hong Kong welcomed 469,000 Australian visitors, up 27% from the previous year, re-establishing itself as a key destination and stopover. Growth was driven by new direct flights, Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suites, and attractions like Kai Tak Sports Park, plus events such as the Hong Kong Sevens and Wine & Dine Festival. The city is being promoted as both a destination and a convenient stopover, with easy travel, diverse attractions, and an English-friendly environment.

Virgin Australia to launch non-stop Canberra–Bali flights

Virgin Australia will launch non-stop flights between Canberra and Bali from 22 June, operating three times a week on a Boeing 737 with business class, Economy X and standard economy. The direct six-hour service provides a more efficient option for business travellers, eliminating the need to connect via Sydney or Melbourne. This marks Virgin’s first international service from Canberra and expands the airport’s network alongside existing routes to Fiji and Doha.

Hotels

Radisson opens first Queensland property in Brisbane

Radisson Hotel Group is bringing its Radisson Individuals brand to Queensland with the 59-room Sixty-Five Hotel Brisbane, set to open in 2026. Located in the CBD, the fully renovated, design-led property will operate through a first-of-its-kind partnership with Mandala Hotels & Resorts. The hotel will feature vibrant social spaces, workstations, and upscale amenities, targeting corporate, government, and leisure guests. This launch supports Radisson’s Tier 1 city expansion strategy and positions the group for growth ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.

Crystalbrook Aurora set to open in Canberra

Crystalbrook Collection’s first ACT hotel, Crystalbrook Aurora, has topped out and is on track for early 2027 opening. The 10-storey, 225-room luxury property will feature suites, wellness facilities, conferencing spaces, and rooftop dining. Local Japanese restaurant Raku will anchor the ground floor with a 300-seat flagship venue. Designed to blend contemporary architecture with nature, the hotel emphasises responsible luxury and aims to enhance Canberra’s hospitality and MICE offerings.

TFE Hotels refreshes Adina Apartment Hotel in Brisbane

TFE Hotels has completed a refurbishment of Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane Anzac Square, updating public spaces, work areas, and guest rooms. The group also confirmed Adina Chermside Brisbane will open in Q2 2026, featuring 148 keys, St Marks Road Co. dining, meeting rooms, a gym, and parking. These projects reflect TFE’s ongoing investment in Brisbane and the evolution of the Adina brand.

Crowne Plaza Geelong opens

The 200-room Crowne Plaza Geelong has opened ahead of the mid-2026 launch of the adjacent Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. Developed by Plenary Group, the hotel features a café, Italian restaurant, rooftop bar, and multiple meeting spaces for events of various sizes. With waterfront views and a focus on connecting with the local community, the property aims to support Geelong’s growing visitor economy and cater to both business and leisure guests.

Crystal unveils first Owner’s Suite aboard Crystal Grace

Crystal has unveiled its first Owner’s Suite aboard Crystal Grace, a 1,950?sq?ft residential-style suite with a 1,965?sq?ft veranda, redefining onboard luxury. The suite features a library, fireplace, state-of-the-art Wi-Fi, panoramic dining, a king-size bedroom, marble bathrooms, a private whirlpool, fitness options, and bespoke design touches that blend comfort, personalisation, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Crystal Grace is scheduled for delivery in May 2028.

World’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge to open in Australia’s Wolgan Valley

Emirates and Marriott International will open the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Australia’s Wolgan Valley in mid-2026, marking a major expansion of the luxury brand into conservation-led wilderness travel. The all-inclusive property will feature just 40 standalone lodges within a 7,000-acre protected reserve, following a further AU$50 million renovation by Emirates, which has already invested heavily in the site. Designed to blend high-end service with immersive nature and sustainability, the lodge positions regional New South Wales as a global benchmark for low-density, experiential luxury tourism.

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