Business Travel News: June 2022

Airlines/Airports.

Virgin Australia have launched Double Rewards for Virgin Australia Business Flyers

For a limited time, Virgin Australia Business Flyers can receive double the Velocity Points for their business, as well as double the Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits for their business traveller’s individual Velocity account. This promotion applies to eligible domestic flights booked and flown between 6 June – 31 July 2022. Sign up to Virgin Business Flyer now and book your flights through Travel portal.

USA discontinues pre-departure testing requirements for international travellers

As of 12 June, international traveller flying to the USA will no longer be required to produce a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test before boarding their flight. Foreign nationals are still required to be fully vaccinated to enter the country, with limited exceptions. Contact your dedicated 1000MTG Travel Advisor for travel booking advice prior to departure.

Virgin Australia and United Airlines Partnership is now in effect

The partnership between Virgin Australia and United Airlines is now in effect, providing Virgin Australia customers with more options for travel between Australia and the United States. Flights from Sydney to LAX and San Francisco have returned, along with flights from Melbourne to San Francisco.

United Airlines announces non-stop SFO to BNE services from October

United Airlines has announced year-round, nonstop service between San Francisco and Brisbane, beginning 28 October 2022. The airline’s new Brisbane service will operate three times weekly on a 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft which features 48 lie-flat, United Polaris^® business class seats and 21 United Premium Plus^® seats.

Air New Zealand appoints Chief Sustainability Officer

Air New Zealand has appointed Kiri Hannifin as Chief Sustainability Officer, in a newly created executive position recognising the importance of sustainability across all aspects of the company’s operation, as well as the airline’s increased focus on addressing its environmental impact. Read the full announcement here.

Qantas resumes five trans-Tasman routes

As of 23 May, Qantas resumed its Sydney flights to Queenstown and Wellington, and Melbourne flights to Christchurch and Wellington. The airline has also resumed Brisbane flights to Christchurch.

Jetstar New Zealand increases trans-Tasman services

As of June 2022, Jetstar New Zealand has increased services across the Tasman, including four weekly Auckland-Sydney and Auckland- Melbourne services. Three weekly Queenstown-Sydney services are scheduled throughout June, with the airline increasing services for some routes even further in July.

Singapore Airlines increases Australian services and upgrades business class

As of 2 June, Singapore airlines has increased its Australian services, with 113 weekly services scheduled to operate between Singapore and seven Australian ports. The airline has also upgraded the business class of its entire Australian fleet to feature comfortable, lie-flat beds.

Qatar Airways’ A380 returns to Sydney

Qatar Airways’ A380 superjumbo has made its return to Australia and will fly the airlines’ daily Doha-Sydney service. The double-decker jet features an upper deck premium lounge, where business and first-class passengers can unwind, socialise, and enjoy refreshments.

New Zealand to open international borders from 31 July

New Zealand has announced that its international border will reopen to all tourists and visa holders from 11:59 pm on 31 July 2022. Travellers will still be required to meet all health requirements to enter New Zealand, including providing proof of vaccination status and a negative pre-departure test. Contact your dedicated 1000MTG Travel Advisor for travel booking advice or click here to view the New Zealand Government site.

New time-saving security screening technology installed at Sydney Airport

Passengers catching a Qantas or QantasLink flight from Sydney Airport’s Terminal 3 can now enjoy faster security screening, with Sydney Airport having recently installed new 3D scanning technology at this checkpoint. The new technology allows travellers to keep laptops, tablets, liquids, aerosols and gels in their carry-on bags.

Hotels.

Marriott International to join Western Sydney Airport Aerotropolis

Marriott International has announced that its Courtyard by Marriot brand will be the first hotel to join the Western Sydney Airport Aerotropolis. The 200-room hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, café and bar, a fitness centre and 580sqm of meeting and ballroom space. Development of the hotel is expected to be completed in 2026, coinciding with the opening of Nancy-bird Walton Airport.

Accor Pacific launches Winter Promotion

Accor Pacific is offering members of Accor Live Limitless 2 x the reward points and rates from $119, when members book a stay between 23 May – 30 September 2022 at participating hotels, resorts and apartments across Australia and New Zealand. Bookings must be made before 30 June. Contact your dedicated 1000MTG Travel Advisor for more information.

Porter House Hotel by MGallery set to open in Sydney from July

Accor is set to welcome guests into the new luxury Porter House Hotel by MGallery from July. Located in downtown Sydney, the highly anticipated hotel boasts 122 spacious rooms and suites, styled to reflect the contrast of historic and modern elegance the hotel’s build embodies. The hotel will also feature a fitness centre and a 12.5 sqm heated pool, as well as multiple dining options housed within the restored heritage building alongside the hotel’s modern tower.

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre is now open

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre has officially opened its doors. The hotel is part of the first Pro-invest Hotels and IHG Hotels and Resorts dual branded hotel development in New Zealand, and neighbours the recently opened voco Auckland City Centre. The hotel features 294 modern guest rooms, each with floor to ceiling windows and workstations, along with a 24 hour reception, a fitness room and a self-service laundry. The hotel is also on track to achieve Green Engage Certification, with energy efficient equipment and systems used throughout the property and the hotel opting to avoid single-use plastics altogether.

QT Newcastle reveals signature restaurant and Newcastle’s newest rooftop bar

As of June 9, the luxury boutique hotel QT Newcastle is open for business. Housed within the heritage-listed, 113 year old David Jones building on Hunter Mall, the hotel features 104 guest rooms and suites, along with signature restaurant, Jana, and the Rooftop at QT, a rooftop bar offering sweeping views across the harbour.

New Zealand’s first Microtel by Wyndham Wellington Central opens its doors

New Zealand has received its first Microtel by Wyndham, with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts having officially opened the doors of Microtel by Wyndham Wellington Central in late May. This 81-room hotel is centrally located in Wellington’s CBD, ideal for business travellers seeking a convenient location. In support of Wyndham Green’s sustainability initiatives, the hotel will offer a recycling programme for in-room amenities and environmentally friendly toiletries.

 

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 Agent, 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.