Business Travel News: November 2021

Airlines/Airports.

Qantas requirements for international travel

Qantas is gradually restarting international services and as of 1 November 2021, customers who are booked to travel to or from Australia on a Qantas aircraft are now required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved or recognised vaccine at the time of travel. Pre-departure COVID-19 tests are required for certain international destinations and must be conducted by private pathology clinics (free testing clinics are not accepted). More information can be found here.

Virgin Australia's Melbourne Lounge opens

Virgin Australia's new-look Melbourne Lounge has re-opened to travellers, featuring a fresh menu and seating capacity for 500 guests - making it the largest in the airline's network of 10 lounges. Completing the Virgin Australia Lounge network, the refurbed Melbourne lounge offers a coffee and wine bar, including barista-made coffee and Australian wines, craft beers and ciders.

Singapore Airlines launches Travel Comeback Sale

In celebration of the Singapore-Australia Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) opening on Monday 8th November, Singapore Airlines has launched a Travel Comeback Sale, offering discounted flights to Singapore, London, Paris and more! To take advantage of these sale fares, book via your usual CTM booking method by 18 November, for travel until 28 February 2022.

Air New Zealand domestic update

From 14 December, Air New Zealand will require all passengers (over 12 years old) flying domestically on its network to show proof of full vaccination status or a negative COVID test prior to checking in for their flight. The airline is encouraging passengers to download the Air New Zealand mobile app and connect the Government's My Vaccine Pass. Click here for more information.

Qantas to open pop-up transit lounge at Darwin International Airport

Qantas will open a temporary lounge to cater for eligible customers travelling between Sydney and London via Darwin from next month. It follows the recent announcement that Qantas' flagship Australia to United Kingdom route would operate via Darwin once Australia's international borders open on 1 November until at least April 2022 due to WA border closures.

Qantas introduces plant-based meals

In response to growing demand for healthier meals, Qantas is now offering plant-based meals as part of its in-flight and lounge menu. The new additions include a potato and celeriac gratin with roast fennel, peas, mushrooms and onions sauce and ratatouille pasta bake with herb crumb, cauliflower and green beans.

Emirates boosts capacity to Australia

In response to the easing of travel restrictions, Emirates has increased the frequency of flights EK414/415 between Dubai and Sydney to daily operated by a Boeing 777-300ER. Flights to Melbourne will operate as a four-weekly service as EK408/409, with the potential to increase in line with demand. All passengers travelling to Sydney and Melbourne

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Hotels.

Sofitel Adelaide opens its doors

The highly anticipated Sofitel Adelaide is now welcoming guests across its 251 luxurious rooms and suites. Featuring an on-site French restaurant, signature Club Millesime lounge and Deja Vu lobby café and champagne bar, the hotel also offers guests access to the SoFIT health and fitness centre with pool.

Accor's Mövenpick brand to debut in Brisbane in 2024

A new 15-storey Art Deco building under Accor's Mövenpick brand will be developed in Brisbane's Spring Hill. Scheduled for 2024, the hotel will have meeting space for over 100 people and city views for each of the 96 hotel rooms.

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.