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Business Travel News: July 2022

Airlines/Airports.

Qantas discontinues mask requirements

As of 12.01 am on Wednesday 22 June, Qantas ended in-flight mask requirements for outbound international flights where masks are not required by the government of the destination. The change follows the easing of the mask mandate in Australian airports (excluding Victoria). Masks are no longer required on non-stop Qantas flights from New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia to the USA, UK, and Europe (Rome). For more information, click here.

 

Qantas seasonal Sydney-Perth-Rome routes to return in 2023

Qantas has confirmed a second season of its new Sydney-Perth-Rome service in 2023. The new service began flying in late June, and services will continue to depart every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday until 6 October 2022.

 

Virgin Australia launches new Business Class menu for Winter

In late June, Virgin Australia launched a new Business Class menu, with dishes designed for the cooler months. The new menu features hearty café-style dishes including Australian classics, pastas, and salads made with local produce and served with Australian beer and wine and a selection of popular spirits.

 

Air New Zealand resumes 14 international routes

As of 9 July, Air New Zealand has resumed three-quarters of its international and domestic routes, including services to popular destinations such as Houston and Honolulu. Services across the Tasman will also increase throughout July, with the airline resuming direct flights to the Sunshine Coast, Adelaide, and Hobart.

 

Air New Zealand reveals Business Premier Luxe Suites

Air New Zealand has unveiled the future cabin experiences for its Boeing 787 fleet, including the new Business Premier Luxe suites which will offer passengers additional space and privacy. The Business Premier Luxe suites will debut in 2024 on direct flights to New York and Chicago.

 

Boost the value for your business travel with the CTM and Virgin Austrlia Business Flyer Value Pack. Register now.

 

Emirates to reopen Australian and New Zealand lounges throughout July and August

Emirates will reopen four of its lounges across Australia and New Zealand throughout July and early August. The Sydney lounge will be open to Emirates passengers from 19 July, with the Melbourne lounge following on 21 July. The Perth lounge will open the following week on 28 July, and the Auckland lounge will open from 3 August. The Brisbane lounge is currently undergoing refurbishment and will reopen at a later date.

 

Air Canada resumes Brisbane-Vancouver services and increases Sydney services

Air Canada has resumed direct Brisbane-Vancouver services, with four services departing Brisbane weekly and a fifth weekly service to be added in December. The airline has also increased services from Sydney, with 10 flights departing Sydney weekly. Auckland will also see three weekly Air Canada services from 12 November.

 

Qatar Airways boosts Adelaide-Doha schedule

As of 1 July, Qatar Airways has increased its Adelaide-Doha service from three to five services weekly. The airline now operates 38 Australian flights per week, providing more options for those travelling to support the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in November.

 

Qatar Airways returns to Canberra and increases Melbourne services

From 1 October, Qatar Airways will resume daily flights to Canberra and increase its Melbourne-Doha services to twice daily. The Canberra and Melbourne services will be operated by the airline’s Boeing 777s, which will feature Qatar Airways’ renowned Qsuites in business class.

 

Australia eases border restrictions for unvaccinated travellers

As of Wednesday 6 July, international visitors are no longer required to declare their vaccination status before entering Australia. Travellers are still required to comply with the airline rules, including the use of face masks on inbound international flights. Contact your dedicated CTM consultant for travel booking advice or click here to view the Australian Government site.

 

Airport mask mandate comes to an end in multiple jurisdictions

Following advice from the nation’s top health officials, multiple Australian jurisdictions have ended the airport mask mandate. As of 18 June, masks are no longer required in the indoor areas of airports in NSW, QLD, WA, NT and ACT. However, travellers will still be required to wear a face mask during their flight.

 

Hong Kong ends flight ban system

As of 7 July, Hong Kong has ended its system that suspended airline routes that brought COVID-positive passengers into the city.  As a new measure, the city has introduced a stronger testing regimen, with international arrivals now required to take an additional PCR test on the third day of their hotel quarantine. Contact your dedicated CTM consultant for travel booking advice or click here to view the Australian Government official travel advice.

 

Hotels.

IHG One Rewards Program is now live

IHG Hotels and Resorts’ new IHG One Rewards loyalty program is now live at more than 6,000 hotels and resorts across the globe. In celebration of the new program, IHG have introduced the ‘Stay your way to 4X points’ promotion, allowing members who register to boost their rewards simply by booking and completing a longer stay before 31 August, 2022.  In addition, IHG are also giving members the opportunity to try their top tiers! Register here before 31 July, 2022 to be upgraded to Platinum status instantly. Terms and Conditions apply for both promotions.

 

Mercure Pakenham to open in September 2022

The new Mercure Hotel in Pakenham, Victoria is set to welcome guests from September 2022. Located within the Pakenham Race Club Precinct, the hotel features 64 guestrooms and suites, a new restaurant, a lounge and cafe area as well as conference, function and boardroom facilities.

 

The Langham Gold Coast opens doors

The Langham Gold Coast has officially opened its doors, welcoming welcoming guests as of late June. Located in Surfers Paradise, the highly anticipated hotel features 339 rooms and suites, an array of dining options, two swimming pools, a health club and direct beach access.

 

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.