Business Travel News – June 26

Airlines

Qantas announces direct SYD-LON from Oct 2027

Qantas has confirmed London as the first destination for its long-awaited Project Sunrise services, with non-stop flights on the Kangaroo Route set to begin in October 2027. The service will be operated by Qantas’ new Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft and will mark the first time the airline has flown non-stop between Australia and London. At around 21 hours, the route is expected to become the longest non-stop commercial flight in the world, reshaping one of Qantas’ most iconic international journeys. New York is expected to follow later in 2027, although services are understood to initially operate on a less-than-daily schedule.

Smartraveller lowers advice for UAE and Qatar to Level 3

Smartraveller has lowered its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from Do Not Travel to Reconsider Your Need To Travel, following strong lobbying from the travel industry. The change eases advice for two of the Middle East’s key transit hubs, with advice also lowered for Israel, Bahrain and Kuwait. Lebanon remains at Do Not Travel. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and keep all Smartraveller advisories under review. It warned advice levels could rise again if conditions deteriorate. Australians planning to travel through Middle Eastern hubs are being urged to ensure they have appropriate travel insurance and to carefully review product disclosure statements to understand what is, and is not, covered.

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Qantas and Jetstar confirm Western Sydney services

Qantas and Jetstar have confirmed services from Western Sydney International Airport. Jetstar will operate the airport’s first commercial passenger service when it opens on 25 October 2026, with flights to the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Brisbane. QantasLink will launch Western Sydney services to Melbourne and Brisbane from 28 March 2027. Tickets are now on sale.

Virgin Australia resumes Melbourne-Doha services

Virgin Australia has resumed services between Melbourne and Doha in partnership with Qatar Airways. Services between the two cities were suspended in February due to military hostilities and resulting disruption across the region.

Qatar Airways returns to Adelaide

Qatar Airways has resumed services to Adelaide, reconnecting South Australians with the airline’s global network via Doha.

The route links Adelaide to more than 160 destinations worldwide and continues onwards to Auckland, strengthening international connectivity for both South Australia and New Zealand.

Starlux flags Sydney and Auckland flights

Taiwanese full-service carrier Starlux Airlines has flagged plans to launch flights to Sydney and Auckland in 2027. The proposed routes remain subject to final review and were announced at the airline’s shareholder meeting alongside planned services to Barcelona and Zurich. Starlux is also considering further US expansion, with Chicago, Washington, New York and Dallas being assessed as potential new ports.

VA to welcome Boeing 737-10 in 2027

Virgin Australia will take delivery of its first Boeing 737-10 aircraft in late 2027, marking the next stage of its fleet renewal program. The aircraft will become the largest in Virgin Australia’s fleet, with the airline holding 10 firm orders for the B737-10. Virgin Australia said the new aircraft will provide additional capacity and greater flexibility across its domestic and short-haul international network, supporting its strategy to operate a more streamlined fleet. The larger B737-10 will also offer improved fuel efficiency and environmental performance across domestic and international routes.

Velocity adds cinema earn and redeem options

Velocity Frequent Flyer members can now earn Velocity Points at Event Cinemas and Village Cinemas. Members will earn one point per $1 spent at both cinema brands. Velocity members will also be able to redeem movie tickets from 2,000 points, adding a new everyday earn and redemption option outside travel.

Qantas Project Sunrise aircraft completes first test flight

Qantas’ first Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR aircraft has completed its maiden test flight in Toulouse. The aircraft will support Qantas’ planned non-stop services from Australia’s east coast to London and New York. The ultra-long-haul flights form part of Qantas’ Project Sunrise program, designed to connect Australia directly with major global business centres. Commercial timing is still to be announced.

Asiana shifts Sydney-Seoul schedule

Asiana Airlines has announced a major schedule change for its direct Sydney-Seoul service. From 8 June, the route will move to an evening departure from Sydney. Passengers will depart Australia at 9pm and arrive in Korea at 6.30am the following morning. The change gives travellers a full day on arrival in Seoul, improving convenience for business travellers heading into meetings or onward connections.

Philippine Airlines to join oneworld

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to join the oneworld airline alliance. PAL’s entry will add 31 destinations to the oneworld global network and strengthen connectivity across key Asia Pacific markets. Once PAL joins, Mabuhay Miles members will be able to earn and redeem miles and points across all oneworld member airlines, including Qantas. Top-tier members will also gain access to partner lounges worldwide.

American Airlines suspends six domestic routes

American Airlines will temporarily suspend six domestic routes for two months from 5 August, citing rising jet fuel prices. The cuts include four services from Los Angeles International Airport to Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh and Washington, DC. The carrier will also suspend two routes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to smaller California hubs Ontario and Sacramento.

United Airlines introduces chef-curated meals

United Airlines will introduce new chef-curated meals on select long-haul routes from 1 August through its partnership with Chef’s Table. Business travellers will be able to choose from multi-course menus created by 11 globally acclaimed chefs from four continents. Menu options will include seasonal Californian dishes, along with Asian and Latin American cuisine.

Qatar Airways expands premium mocktail menu

Qatar Airways has launched a new mocktail collection for first and business class travellers flying from Australia and New Zealand to, or via, Doha. Designed with mixologist Lorenzo Antinori, the non-alcoholic range features five creations, including Sunrise Punch and Virgin Bloody Mary. The new selection is available in the A380 in-flight lounge.

Hotels

New Adina Apartment Hotel in Brisbane

Adina Apartment Hotels Chermside Brisbane is now open, bringing a new extended-stay option to Brisbane’s growing northern corridor. Located close to Brisbane Airport, major hospitals and Westfield Chermside, the 148-room property offers studio rooms and apartment-style accommodations with kitchen and laundry facilities, ideal for both short business trips and longer stays. The property offers meeting spaces, undercover parking, flexible living space, and a design focused on comfort and connection, reflecting the growing demand for accommodation that helps business travellers feel more at home while on the road.

The Luxury Collection returns to Manhattan

Marriott’s The Luxury Collection has introduced The London, marking the brand’s return to Manhattan. Located at 151 West 54th Street in Midtown, the hotel is close to Central Park, Carnegie Hall, Broadway theatres and popular dining venues. The 54-storey property features 562 all-suite rooms, each with separate living areas and generous bathrooms. Many suites also offer views across the Manhattan skyline.

Millennium Premier Hotel New York Times Square reopens

Millennium Premier Hotel New York Times Square has reopened following a complete renovation of its 124 guestrooms and public spaces. The refreshed rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light and new furniture, fixtures and finishes. Layouts have been designed to be sleek and workplace-friendly. Redesigned public areas include the lobby lounge and fireplace lounge, with a club lounge expected to open in October.

Meetings & Events

The Fullerton Sydney upgrades ballroom technology

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney will introduce a 190m² permanent LED screen in its Grand Ballroom from 1 September. The hotel claims it will be the largest hotel LED screen in Australia. The upgrade will replace all projectors and portable screens with permanent LED technology. Additional upgrades include AI-enabled production cameras, 4K vision processing, and new lighting and audio across the property.

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