Business Travel News: April 2022

Airlines/Airports.

Virgin Australia launches new Business Flyer program

Virgin Australia has launched the Business Flyer program, a new loyalty program for small-to-medium businesses. By joining Business Flyer, businesses can enjoy discounts on fares and lounge passes, as well as the ability to double-dip on Velocity points; with team members earning Velocity Points for the business and their personal frequent flyer account every time they fly with Virgin Australia. Apply for free here.

Virgin Australia to release ‘Beyond’ VIP program on 20 April

Virgin Australia is taking its exclusive ‘The Club’ VIP program in a new direction, with the re-branded program “Beyond” set to launch on Wednesday 20 April. While memberships will remain invitation-only, it is believed that many Beyond members will hold a corporate account with Virgin Australia. The Beyond premium lounges will open in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane on 20 April and the program’s exclusive benefits will be released throughout the coming weeks.

Qantas to resume flights to Tokyo

From Wednesday 27 April, Qantas will resume Sydney and Brisbane flights to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, with Melbourne flights resuming on April 29. Sydney Flights will depart daily at 8:55 pm, while Melbourne and Brisbane flights will adopt a split schedule. Flights will operate on Qantas’ Airbus A330s, which feature 28 Business Suites and 269 economy class seats. Japan Airlines’ first-class and Sakura business class lounges will be open to Qantas business class passengers, as well as Gold and Platinum frequent flyers. Haneda Airport’s priority lane for security screening will be available to top-tier passengers.

Qantas introduces Green tier for Frequent Flyers

Qantas has introduced a new Green tier to its Frequent Flyer membership. The Green tier encourages members to make sustainable choices by offering a reward of 10,000 points or 50 status credits. To achieve Green status, Frequent Flyer members must complete five sustainable activities from a range of six categories within a Membership Year. The six categories include Offset flying, Sustainable travel, Sustainable lifestyle, Choose sustainable, Reduce your impact and Give back.

Qatar Airways to fly between Adelaide and Auckland

From mid-April, Qatar Airways will be offering flights between Adelaide and Auckland. Flying on Qatar’s Boeing 777-300 jet, travelers will have the option to travel in the comfort of Qatar’s business class Qsuites. Flights will depart Adelaide at 10:25 pm to arrive in Auckland at 5:05 am, and will depart Auckland at 6.25 pm to arrive in Adelaide at 8:50 pm.

Air Canada increases capacity to 10 Sydney-Vancouver services a week

Air Canada has announced a further expansion of its Sydney-Vancouver services, with an additional three return flights scheduled to operate from 6 June to 5 September 2022, coinciding with the Northern Hemisphere summer period. This will see Air Canada operating a total of ten weekly direct Sydney-Vancouver flights during this peak season. Services will depart Sydney on Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 1:40 pm, conveniently timed for domestic connections.

Singapore retires Vaccinated Travel Lanes

As of Friday 1 April, Singapore has discontinued its Vaccinated Travel Lane system. Fully vaccinated visitors are no longer be required to provide a Vaccinated Travel Pass on entry and do not need to complete an on-arrival test or isolate. The country’s Ministry of Health has also announced that the requirement for pre-departure testing may be also removed in the following weeks.

Pre-departure testing requirement removed for International Travelers to Australia

From 18 April 2022 travelers to Australia will no longer be required to undertake a COVID-19 pre-departure test before boarding their flight. These changes will come into effect from 18 April 2022. Until that time all current pre-departure testing will remain in place. Travelers are reminded to use Risk Hub for the latest travel and health advice.

New Zealand to open its borders to Australia

From 11:59 pm on 12 April, New Zealand will open its borders to fully vaccinated Australian travelers. The re-opening aligns with the upcoming Australian school holidays, and will help stimulate New Zealand’s economic recovery. All visitors will be required to provide a negative result from a pre-departure PCR or rapid antigen test, and undergo a rapid test on arrival.

Easing of restrictions in Queensland

As of 4 March, the 1 person per 2 sqm density limit imposed on events and venues in Queensland no longer applies. Mask restrictions have also eased, with masks only required to be worn in healthcare settings, public transport, airports and on planes.

Hotels.

Hilton Garden Inn to be developed in Brisbane’s north

Brisbane is set to receive a second Hilton hotel, with the Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane City Centre North expected to open in 2024. The hotel will be located in the inner-city suburb of Spring Hill and will accommodate business and leisure travelers alike. The new-build will comprise 129 rooms, a sleek glass-walled lobby, full-service restaurant and bar, and meeting facilities, as well as a fitness room and 24-hour retail store. Development is expected to begin later this year.

InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula to open its doors in Autumn

Mornington Peninsula’s local icon ‘The Conti’ is set to reopen as the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula. The historic building has been given new life, and will feature 108 styled rooms, a guest-exclusive pool deck, and multiple dining options including signature seafood restaurant Audrey’s. The hotel’s dining options will open their doors from March, with the broader hotel expected to officially open in Autumn.

Development of Four Seasons Hotel Melbourne soon to be under way

Four Seasons has selected Melbourne as the location for its second Australian hotel, with visitors being able to enjoy the city’s panoramic views. The Four Seasons Hotel Melbourne will feature 210 rooms, a Sky Lobby on the 63rd floor, a restaurant and bar, a day spa and a rooftop garden that will continue over the roof’s edge and run the length of the building. Development will begin later this year and the hotel is expected to open its doors in 2027.

 

Information on this page is sourced from third party sources. While effort is taken to verify the accuracy of this information, 1000MTG recommends that travelers seek independent advice and/or information from their 1000MTG Travel Advisor, 1000MTG 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.