Business Travel News – Aug 26
Airlines
Up to $35 off VA flights with VA Business Flyer
For a limited time, Virgin Australia Business Flyer members can save up to $35 on selected Choice and Flex fares for eligible Virgin Australia-operated domestic flights. Book by 21 August 2026, travel by 17 September 2026. Contact your Spencer Corporate Travel team to book. Terms and conditions apply.
Sydney Airport introduces Fast Track
International passengers departing Sydney Airport can now purchase access to a priority security queue at T1. The Fast Track service can be booked online and is designed to reduce waiting times during busy periods.
Digital passenger cards expand nationally
The Federal Government will provide $56.1 million over four years to introduce digital passenger declaration cards at international airports across Australia. The national rollout follows trials involving Qantas at several major airports.
Jetstar changes carry-on baggage model
From 2 February 2027, Jetstar will remove its 7kg carry-on weight policy. Bookings will include one underseat bag, while passengers requiring a larger overhead bag will need to purchase Priority Carry-on.
Qantas Project Sunrise timing firms
Qantas indicated that non-stop Sydney to New York services are expected to begin around December 2027. The launch would follow the planned commencement of non-stop Sydney to London flights in October 2027.
Turkish Airlines changes Sydney stopover
Turkish Airlines will operate five weekly Airbus A350 services between Sydney and Singapore from 26 October. Its Sydney to Istanbul service currently travels via Kuala Lumpur but will switch to Singapore from that date.
Qatar Airways adds Melbourne to Auckland
Qatar Airways will introduce daily Melbourne to Auckland flights in December 2026, replacing the Adelaide to Auckland sector on its Doha to Auckland service. The route will use Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Singapore Airlines increases Adelaide services
Singapore Airlines will increase Adelaide services from 10 to 12 flights a week from 25 October. The additional flights will add 1,328 weekly seats.
LATAM introduces new regional fleet
LATAM’s 24 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft will begin operating with LATAM Airlines Brazil during the final quarter of 2026. The aircraft will offer economy and premium economy, USB-C charging and complimentary connectivity for LATAM Pass members.
United shortens Adelaide season
United Airlines will operate a shorter Adelaide to San Francisco season in 2026–27. The US-originating service will now operate from 17 December to 8 February 2027.
Malaysia Airlines expands China network
Malaysia Airlines has expanded its Chinese network to nine gateways through new direct services to Shenzhen and Changsha.
Malaysia Airlines adopts turbulence technology
Malaysia Airlines has joined IATA’s Turbulence Aware program. The service provides pilots with real-time information to help anticipate clear-air turbulence and make informed operational decisions.
Cathay Pacific raises fuel surcharge
Cathay Pacific increased its passenger fuel surcharge from 1 August, reversing earlier reductions following higher fuel costs associated with conflict in the Middle East.
Qantas backs Melbourne Airport expansion
Qantas Group has reached an agreement with Melbourne Airport supporting its $4.5 billion international terminal expansion. The agreement covers five additional widebody gates and a 15-year commitment relating to the airport’s third runway.
Emirates expands African connections
Emirates and South African Airways have strengthened their codeshare agreement. Emirates passengers can now connect through Johannesburg to 16 destinations across South Africa and other African markets, expanding itinerary options for travellers conducting business across the region.
Qatar Airways returns to Philadelphia
Qatar Airways has resumed daily direct services between Doha and Philadelphia. The route is operated by an Airbus A350-900 featuring Qsuite and Starlink Wi-Fi. The service provides another premium connection between the Middle East and the United States for international business travellers.
Hotels
IHG opens Alva Hotel Brisbane
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened the 146-room Alva Hotel Brisbane, Vignette Collection, in Fortitude Valley. Formerly Hotel X, the refreshed property includes two signature suites, a rooftop pool and a rooftop bar.
Holiday Inn opens in Townsville
IHG has opened the 93-room Holiday Inn Townsville. Located in central Townsville, the hotel offers two-bedroom family accommodation, meeting and event facilities, and an onsite restaurant.
Citadines opens Hobart property
The Ascott Limited has opened Citadines Elizabeth Street Pier Hobart. The property includes 98 studios overlooking the River Derwent.
Sheraton opens in Port Moresby
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has opened the 394-room Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotels & Suites. The property is located in the city’s central business and government district, connected to Vision City Mega Mall and five minutes from Jacksons International Airport.
Canopy opens in Bangkok
Hilton has opened the 174-room Canopy Bangkok Sukhumvit in the Asoke neighbourhood. The hotel offers nine interconnecting rooms that can form a suite-style arrangement for larger groups, alongside four dining venues.
Accor expands across Vietnam
Accor and Sun Group will develop more than 5,300 hotel rooms in Vietnam over the next five years. New properties will include locations in Phu Quoc and Da Nang.
Car Rentals
Western Sydney selects car rental partners
Western Sydney International Airport has appointed Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar and Redspot as its car rental partners. Each company will operate a kiosk when the airport opens for flights on 25 October.
Meetings & Events
Te Pae introduces permanent quiet space
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has opened a permanent quiet space for delegates, exhibitors and visitors experiencing sensory sensitivities or feeling overwhelmed. Features include calm lighting, soft furnishings, a bubble lamp and a memory foam mat.
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