Business Travel News – September 26
Airlines
Qantas overhauls Frequent Flyer status earning
Qantas Frequent Flyer will make major changes to status earning and retention from 8 December. Members will be able to earn up to 140 status credits per membership year through non-flying categories including credit cards, retail, banking, insurance, accommodation and utilities. Members will also be able to roll over up to 50% of excess status credits, subject to tier limits. Further changes are planned for early 2027, while Jetstar Classic Upgrades will launch in September.
Qantas has unveiled its next generation of Business Class seating, including lie-flat beds on a single-aisle aircraft
The airline’s new Airbus A321XLR Business Suites will feature a 1-1 configuration, sliding privacy doors, 19-inch entertainment screens, charging and fast, free Wi-Fi. The first of these aircraft is expected to arrive in 2028, supporting longer domestic and short to medium-haul international routes. Qantas has also revealed upgraded Business Suites for its incoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with more space, 80-inch lie-flat beds and greater privacy.
Qantas brings A380 retirement forward
Qantas will begin phasing out its 10 Airbus A380s from 2028, four years earlier than previously flagged. The airline cited supply chain challenges, rising maintenance costs and greater confidence in delivery of its replacement fleet. New Airbus A350-1000ULRs and Boeing 787-9s will progressively take over long-haul flying, with the first Project Sunrise aircraft due from April 2027.
Shenzhen Airlines adds Sydney route
Shenzhen Airlines has confirmed it will begin services between Sydney Airport and Shenzhen on 14 December 2026. The announcement follows the airline’s introduction of Melbourne services in 2025 and adds another direct connection between Australia and China.
Qantas and American Airlines partnership progresses
The ACCC has issued draft approval for Qantas and American Airlines to extend their trans-Pacific joint business for another five years. The regulator cited increased connectivity, additional routes and frequencies, improved loyalty benefits and lounge access among the reasons for its decision.
Rex changes booking fees
Rex will introduce a flat $99 change and cancellation fee per ticket for bookings made from 15 September. This replaces the current $44 fee charged per sector. Existing bookings retain the conditions that applied when purchased.
Cathay Pacific brings Aria Suites to Perth
Cathay Pacific will introduce its Aria Suites business-class product on selected Perth to Hong Kong services. The upgraded cabins will be available between 26 October 2026 and 27 March 2027, providing Perth-based business travellers with access to the airline’s newest premium seating.
Qatar Airways expands corporate travel benefits
Qatar Airways has partnered with Priority Pass to provide additional benefits and rewards through its Beyond Business corporate travel program. The agreement is designed to deliver greater value to business travellers through the airport experiences program.
Fiji Airways confirms Western Sydney services
Fiji Airways will launch direct flights between Nadi and Western Sydney International Airport from 19 March 2027. The three-times-weekly service will use Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and add more than 53,000 seats annually between Australia and Fiji. Introductory fares are now available.
Melbourne Airport confirms new drop-off arrangements
Melbourne Airport will open new pick-up and drop-off zones for terminals 1, 2 and 3 on 6 October 2026. The facilities will replace existing kerbside drop-offs, creating more space and helping reduce congestion.
Korean Air returns to Melbourne
Korean Air will resume seasonal Melbourne to Seoul services from 18 December 2026 to 14 March 2027. The route will operate using a Boeing 787-9, with Korean Air taking over the service previously operated by Asiana following the airlines’ merger. The return adds another direct option between Melbourne and South Korea over the peak summer period.
Air India adds Sydney capacity
Air India will increase Delhi to Sydney services from seven to 11 flights per week from 27 October. The airline will also operate the larger Boeing 777-300ER instead of the 787-8 on the route for most of December 2026. The additional frequency and capacity will provide greater choice for corporate travellers between Australia and India during the busy year-end travel period.
Sydney Airport Master Plan approved
The Federal Government has approved Sydney Airport’s Master Plan 2045, including a proposal to integrate domestic, regional and international services into a more connected terminal experience. Sydney Airport says the approval provides a pathway for investment needed to support future demand, with the airport forecast to serve 72 million passengers annually by 2045.
Hotels
Hyatt & Delta Air Lines pen loyalty partnership
Hyatt and Delta Air Lines have announced a new long-term loyalty partnership connecting World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles. Once launched, eligible elite members will be able to earn World of Hyatt points on qualifying Delta flights and Delta miles on qualifying Hyatt stays. Further details on launch timing, eligibility and member benefits will be announced in the coming months.
DoubleTree by Hilton planned for Parramatta
Hilton will bring its DoubleTree brand to Parramatta, with a 100-room hotel scheduled to open in late 2028. The development will add another recognised accommodation option for business travellers visiting one of Western Sydney’s major commercial centres.
Crystalbrook opens South Australian reservations
Reservations have opened for Crystalbrook Sam, the hotel group’s first South Australian property. The hotel is expected to welcome guests from late December 2026, adding a new accommodation option for corporate and leisure travellers visiting the state.
Ritz-Carlton expands in Shanghai
Marriott International has signed an agreement to open the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Urban Reserve in Shanghai in 2030. The 110-room property will overlook the Huangpu River on the North Bund and include restaurants, fitness facilities and a spa and wellness retreat. The opening will also make Shanghai the only city globally to feature all eight of Marriott International’s luxury brands.
Business travellers prioritise hotel downtime
New Hyatt-commissioned research found 90% of respondents said their hotel room was the only place they felt “off the clock” during a work trip. Comfortable beds, reliable in-room Wi-Fi, 24-hour food options, complimentary breakfast and early check-in ranked among the accommodation features business travellers valued most. The findings highlight how practical hotel amenities and genuine downtime can influence traveller experience, wellbeing and accommodation preferences within corporate programs.
Meetings & Events
Avani Mooloolaba expands event facilities
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel has opened five new event spaces. These include a 274-square-metre ballroom accommodating 200 guests, flexible meeting rooms, integrated AV, locally led catering and a dedicated events team. Full-day delegate packages start from $100 per person and include meals, barista coffee, Wi-Fi and an event concierge.
Our news content is sourced from third party sources. While efforts are made to verify and maintain accuracy of this page’s content, we recommend readers conduct their own independent research.
