Business Travel News: March 2023

Business Travel News: March 2023

Airlines/Airports

Qantas announces $100 million upgrade to lounge network

As part of Qantas' plans to enhance passengers' pre-flight travel experience, the airline is expanding its domestic and overseas lounge network. An investment of $100 million will upgrade key destinations to a new level of luxury, elevating the flight experience.

Air New Zealand unveils new economy product

Air New Zealand has launched 'Economy Stretch', a new economy product with up to 39% more legroom on its B777 aircraft. For an additional NZD $175 for a one-way trip, passengers can enjoy 'sculptured upholstery' and a flexible headrest on the first four rows of the cabin.

Qantas releases new A350 business class

Travellers on Qantas' non-stop 'Project Sunrise' flights from Australia to London or New York in late-2025 will be the first to experience the airline's next-generation A350 business class suites.

Qantas A380 returns to Sydney-Hong Kong

Qantas A380 flights will return on the Sydney to Hong Kong route from late March through June 2023. The superjumbo will significantly boost the number of business class seats and offer a premium economy cabin.

Cathay Pacific opens new Tokyo Narita lounge

Cathay has opened a new and larger lounge at Tokyo Narita airport. Frequent travellers can look forward to a larger space, accommodating 265 passengers across its 1235m2 footprint, including a 'new-look lounge' makeover.

Qantas introduces premium economy cradle seats

The airline is turning its attention to the reveal of the back of the airbus, where 180 passengers will settle into the new premium economy and economy seats for non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London, New York and Paris.

Qatar Airways route updates

The airline has announced seven new destinations, 11 route resumptions, and frequency increases on 35 routes, reaching 174 locations globally by March 2024. There are six major destinations on the list: China, the UK, Argentina, Morocco, the Philippines, France, Japan, Cambodia, and the UAE.

Air New Zealand to resume flights to Cairns and Sunshine Coast

The airline will resume two routes to Queensland, with direct flights from Auckland to Cairns from 29 March 2023. Flights will be operated on the A320 and A321 aircraft. The Cairns route will see up to four services weekly, and the Sunshine coast will operate three services.

Cathay Pacific reopens Bangkok lounge

The airline has unlocked the doors to its popular Bangkok lounge at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The lounge located on Level 3 of Concourse G is open daily.

Delta outlines a roadmap for sustainable travel

The strategy involves goals inspired by what can help the aircraft contribute to reaching net-zero emissions, with plans for sustainable aviation fuels and reducing single-use plastics and encouraging net-zero supply change.

United Airlines enlists Oscar the Grouch to promote SAF

United Airlines names Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch as its first Trash Officer as he joins the airline to celebrate his love of rubbish. United Airlines' new consumer education campaign is designed to broadly promote the benefit of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Virgin Australia celebrates International Women's Day with an all-female flight

Virgin Australia has commemorated International Women's Day by fielding a flight operated and managed by an all-female team. Flight VA313 flew from Melbourne to Brisbane, with more than 10 roles performed by 20 women.

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Information on this page is sourced from third party sources. While effort is taken to verify the accuracy of this information, Corporate Travel Management (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.