Business Travel News: October 2019
Airlines/Airports.
Corporate Travel Management and Lufthansa Group NDC partnership
Corporate Travel Management is proud to announce our NDC partnership with Lufthansa Group hub airlines. The partnership aims to help customers access the best possible air travel options with Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and SWISS when booking through CTM. For more information: http://bit.ly/2ngoZEu
REMINDER: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
A reminder that the New Zealand Government has introduced a new travel requirement for entry to New Zealand. The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is effective for travel to, or for transiting through New Zealand, as of 1 October 2019. The application process to apply for an NZeTA is now live on the New Zealand Immigration site. http://bit.ly/2lOt9TQ
Jetstar announces proposed changes to domestic New Zealand flights
Jetstar Airways announced a proposal to end flying on all its New Zealand domestic regional turboprop routes from 01 December 2019. The routes affected by this proposal are: – Auckland to/from Nelson, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, and – Wellington to/from Nelson. CTM will be in contact with any affected travellers to arrange alternative travel options. Find out more: http://bit.ly/2n3L8G9
Auckland International Airport launched ‘Prepared Passenger Lane’
Auckland International Airport has launched a dedicated “Prepared Passenger Lane” for peak periods at the airport’s domestic terminal. It will provide a faster path through security screening for people who have emptied their pockets, taken electronic devices out fo their hand luggage and are ready for inspection.
Melbourne Airport introduced Smiths Detection
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport has implemented Smiths Detection’s checkpoint screening technology which uses Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray in Terminal 4. This will allow laptops and liquids to remain in bags for a quicker and smoother experience.
Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic seamless Australia-London route
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has given Virgin Australia the go-ahead to work with Virgin Atlantic on flights between Australia and London. The agreement would allow the two to more closely cooperate on services between Australia and London through mutual mid-points in Hong-Kong, Los Angeles and any other connection points. This is likely to result in an enhanced service and product offering, including better scheduling and great loyalty program benefits.
Emirates cancels Brisbane-Singapore route
Emirates has confirmed that it is now seeking to end its Brisbane-Singapore route. Emirates currently flies a Boeing 777-300ER daily from both Brisbane and Melbourne to Singapore, with the flight then continuing onto Dubai. The carrier has said that the Melbourne-Singapore route will still be continued.
Qantas’ first upgraded A380 returns
The first of Qantas’ twelve refurbished Airbus A380 has returned to the skies, flying the flagship Sydney-Singapore-London route. The update to the aircraft includes a modernisation of the first-class cabin and installation of the Qantas’ latest business class seats along with two new upper deck lounges. After completing multiple flights across this schedule, the aircraft will then shift direction and begin flying from Sydney – Los Angeles from October 11 with further changes to its route on the horizon. Qantas plans to have all twelve aircraft upgraded by the end of 2020.
Auckland Airport completes a five-year upgrade
Auckland Airport’s International departure terminal upgrade is now complete. The five-year project’s completion was marked by the opening of the two-storey Vantage Bar by Emirates one of the key features of the refurbished area, along with upgraded bathroom facilities, new charging points to power devices as well as two hours of free Wi-Fi for all visitors. There are also 14 new food and beverage outlets along with 32 new retail concepts.
Air New Zealand introduces new language option for Kiosks and IFE
Air New Zealand has rolled out “te reo M?ori” as a language option on its New Zealand check-in kiosks, bag drops and IFE systems on A321 and A320neo fleets. The airline plans to roll out the new language option on Boeing 777 and 787 fleets by the end of 2019.
Virgin’s new look lounge for Adelaide
Virgin is currently finalising plans for a new airport lounge in Adelaide, expected to open in 2020. Taking on traveller feedback, the new lounge will be larger and more spacious than the current one. The layout will be noticeably different to Virgin’s other lounges, taking inspiration from its location.
Qantas bid for Japan
Qantas Airways has announced its intention to apply to the International Air Services Commission (IASC) for additional capacity to Japan. Details include:
- Melbourne-Tokyo Haneda: Daily, operating with A330 equipment;
- Sydney-Tokyo Haneda: Daily, operating with a mix of A330 and Boeing 789 equipment.
Virgin Australia apply for Japan slot
Virgin Australia announced its intention to commence services to Japan with plans to apply to the International Air Services Commission (IASC) for one of the available Australian airline slots into Tokyo Haneda Airport.
Air New Zealand introduced a new pillow
Air New Zealand has introduced a new pillow for business class passengers travelling on its Chicago route. The pillow, which is hypoallergenic and temperature regulating is manufactured by German bedding company Paradies. The temperature regulating technology was originally developed for astronauts.
Hotels.
Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport
Located in Mascot, the brand-new Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport is conveniently located on the doorstep of Sydney’s Domestic Terminals and only minutes away from Sydney’s International Terminal. The Sydney CBD is just two quick train stops away. The property has 247 rooms with 6 room categories as well as two flexible meeting rooms, free business centre and 24-hour reception. Take advantage of Express Start Buffet Breakfast or Grab & Go option, stay connected with free high-speed Wi-Fi and sleep easy with comfy beds and a choice of pillows.
Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour
Enviably located on the corner of Sussex and Bathurst Streets, the newly built Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour is host to 152 modern guest rooms and suites, just a 5-minute stroll to Sydney’s ferries. You can be productive in any time zone with complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business centre or enjoy a variety of food and drink options throughout the day out of the restaurant and bar. Take advantage of the range of world-class flexible meetings and events facilities including a 300m² Ballroom, three meeting rooms, an executive boardroom and an outdoor poolside space.
Accor expands Peppers and Sebel in Melbourne
Accor has been signed to oversee the management of two new hotels in Melbourne. Peppers Melbourne Richmond will be the third Peppers label in the city, hosting 83-rooms and offering a restaurant, bar and fitness centre around 1km from the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood serviced apartment complex will consist of 103 apartments across a seven-storey property. This will include 48 studio apartments, 48 one-bedroom apartments and seven with two-bedrooms. The facilities include a fitness centre, two meeting rooms, a restaurant and lobby bar/cafe.
The Sebel returns to Sydney
Accor has confirmed that Quay West Suites Sydney has been rebranded to The Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney. Located in Sydney’s The Rocks precinct, the 5-star property offers stunning views of The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Circular Quay. Located 12.4km from Sydney Airport and just minutes from the Sydney Ferry Terminal, the hotel features a range of different rooms with exceptional views.
Moonee Ponds the next location for The Sebel
Due to open on 1 November 2019, The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds will be located in the new Mason Square precinct. The property will offer 97 serviced apartments across an 8-storey building, with 89 of them being one-bedroom layout and nine more with two bedrooms. Each of the rooms will offer a balcony and full kitchen facilities. Guests will also have access to a fitness centre, meeting spaces and a New York-style restaurant.
Rooftop bar coming in QT Sydney
As a part of City of Sydney Council’s revitalisation of George Street, QT Hotels and Resorts Sydney has submitted plans to add 72 new hotel rooms across 13 storeys as part of the development. This will also see the addition of a conference centre and a rooftop bar catering to a maximum of 320 people, with office space to occupy the remaining 17 floors.
The Adnate Art Series Hotel opens in Perth
Accor has opened its ninth Art Series brand hotel and it’s first in Perth, the Adnate. Inspired by the powerful multicultural portraiture of renowned Australian street artist Matt Adnate. The new property features 250 rooms with one of the world’s largest murals running down the entire 25-storey hight of the building on the east-facing wall. The Adnate will also play host to Hyde Perth Kitchen + Cocktails, which will be the second location in Australia of Accor’s Hyde restaurant and entertainment venue brand.
Events.
The Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific reveals new event space
The Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific has launched it’s newly renovated events space, the first full renovation for the property in the last 10 years. The conference space upgrade includes an upgraded bar and coffee facilities, carpets and interiors, along with state-of-the-art visual equipment. The conference space is among the largest on the Central Coast, with capacity for up to 450 guests.
The State Library Victoria redevelopment nearing completion
The State Library Victoria is nearing the completion of its $88.1 million redevelopment, and as a result, is now taking bookings for events. The location boasts 11 venue spaces that can be utilised for a variety of purposes, including state-of-the-art conferencing spaces, heritage reading rooms and a world-class gallery. One of the signature spaces is The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, which has been closed to the public since 1993.