Business Travel News: August 2022

Business Travel News: August 2022

Airlines/Airports.

Air New Zealand extends COVID flexibility policy to 31 August

With COVID, the winter flu, and severe weather disrupting the travel plans of many customers, Air New Zealand has extended its COVID flexibility policy through to 31 August 2022. Customers who have booked between now and 31 August can opt for a credit to the value of their flight or can make a booking change with the usual fees waived. Credits will be valid for 12 months from the date of request.

Air New Zealand sets target to reduce carbon emissions by 2030

A new science-based target has been set by Air New Zealand to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 as part of its Flight NZ0 journey. The interim target, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), requires a 28.9% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, from a 2019 baseline. This interim target will be key in positioning the airline to succeed in achieving its net zero 2050 target. Read the full announcement here.

Qantas Los Angeles first class lounge reopens

As of 11 August, the Qantas' Los Angeles first class lounge has reopened its doors. The lounge is open from 6.30am to midnight, and welcomes Qantas' A380 first class flyers, Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers (and their Oneworld Emerald equivalents) along with elite Chairman's Lounge members.

Qantas' Airbus A380 resumes Sydney-LAX route

As of Friday 29 July, Qantas' A380 Airbus resumed services for the Sydney-Los Angeles route. The A380 Airbus has been upgraded with Qantas' new premium economy seats and business class, which features direct aisle access, increased privacy, and lie-flat beds.

Rex Airlines joins forces with Dovetail Electric Aviation

Rex Airlines has joined forces with Dovetail Electric Aviation to pioneer the conversion of turbine-powered aircraft to electric propulsion; pathing the way for more sustainable aviation.

Rex Airlines to launch Frequent Flyer program

Rex Airlines is set to launch a Frequent Flyer program in coming months. The program will sit alongside the airlines business flyer loyalty program, Rex Business Flyer, is expected to be a points-based rewards system.

British Airways' Club Suites business class is coming to Sydney

British Airways is bringing its Club Suites business class to Sydney. Passengers will enjoy sliding privacy doors, increased personal space and direct aisle access. The Club Suites will debut on the daily BA15/BA16 flights between London and Sydney from 30 October.

Singapore Airlines' First Class set to return to New Zealand

Singapore Airlines' First Class experience will soon return to New Zealand. From October 2022, the airlines' daily Auckland service will operate on a four-class Boeing 777-300ER, offering passengers the opportunity to fly first class on Singapore Airlines for the first time since March 2020.

London Heathrow's limit on flights may remain until mid-2023

As of 12 July, London Heathrow introduced a limit of 100,000 daily departing passengers in order to combat strain on the airport's resources following a high influx of travellers. Originally put in place for two months, the airport has revealed that the measure may remain for up to 12 months.

Hotels.

Waldorf Astoria is coming to Sydney

Waldorf Astoria's Australian debut is set for early 2025, with Sydney joining New York and London as home to the luxury Hilton label. Located at Circular Quay, the 28-storey hotel will feature 179 rooms, 41 suites, the renowned Peacock Alley lobby lounge and sweeping harbour views.

Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre is now open

IHG Hotels and Resorts' new Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre is now welcoming guests. The hotel is located in North Quay, only a short trip across the river from Southbank and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, and within close proximity to Queen Street mall. The hotel features 212 rooms, Japanese restaurant Izakaya Publico, which offers a private dining area, and a speakeasy serving local wines and beers.

Mövenpick Hotel Wellington has opened its doors

Accor's new Mövenpick Hotel in Wellington is now open. The hotel features 114 contemporary guestrooms and suites, on-site and virtual gyms, a signature restaurant and bar, a dedicated meeting and events conference room, valet parking and a library.

Marriott International to open two flagship Australian properties in 2023

Marriott International is preparing to open flagship properties in two of Australia's largest cities in 2023. The W Sydney is scheduled to welcome guests from May 2023, and set to become the largest W hotel world-wide, featuring 585 rooms and over 1,000 sqm of event space.The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne is also projected to open in early 2023, featuring 257 rooms and offering near 2,800 sqm of event space.

Minor Hotels to open first Australian Avani Hotels property

Minor Hotels has announced plans to open the first Australian property under its Avani Hotels brand. Scheduled to open in 2025, the hotel will be located on the Sunshine Coast and will feature 180 rooms, four restaurants, a rooftop pool and bar, and meeting and events facilities.

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.