Industry News
June 2010
British Airways seek SME business
British Airways is offering Australian SMEs new benefits as part of a recently launched corporate loyalty program. Called 'On Business', the program is free to join and allows SME travellers to earn points on every British Airways' flight. Employees of companies registered with the program can also earn miles with Qantas or any other Oneworld frequent flyer program. Companies need two travelling employees to be eligible for the program. Contact your travel manager for more information.
Qantas boost Sydney-Perth capacity
From July, Qantas is adding six weekly services on its Perth-Sydney route. The new services include an additional Perth-Sydney flight operating daily from Monday to Saturday departing at 7.05am and an extra Sydney-Perth flight daily from Sunday to Friday departing at 3.10pm.
Rendezvous Hotels target corporate travellers
Rendezvous Hospitality Group is raising the bar in the corporate accommodation sector with a new 'value promise' at all its Rendezvous and Marque Hotels. The group is offering three hours of free daily internet, free local telephone calls and low cost international calls, reduced minibar prices, competitive dry cleaning and laundry prices and no surcharge on the use of credit cards anywhere in the hotel, no weekend or public holiday surcharge in hotel restaurants and bars or room service.
Face to face meetings deliver best results
Face to face business meetings are the most effective form of communicating in business according to 76% of Australian business travellers surveyed recently. Research by Toga Hospitality shows only one in 10 travellers found video conferencing appropriate for business meetings. Almost half of all business travellers (49%) used hotels for meetings when away on business.
Virgin Blue goes regional
Travellers heading from Sydney to the northern NSW town of Armidale soon will have the option of flying with Virgin Blue. Virgin Blue is expected to make a formal announcement soon about the new Sydney-Armidale service.
Jetstar announces long-haul routes
Melbourne and Auckland are the first destinations to be serviced from Jetstar's long-haul A330 base in Singapore. Daily direct flights to Melbourne will start 16 December 2010.
Virgin Blue promote Business class
It's expected that within the next 12 to 18 months Virgin Blue will introduce a Business class cabin. The Virgin Blue Group currently only offers Business class on its long-haul operation V Australia.
Hyatt upgrades
The Premium suites, Grand Club Lounge and Club floors of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne have undergone a facelift with new carpets, drapery and furniture. As part of the renovations the property aims to have all of its 546 rooms completed by 2011.
Cabin overhaul for Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic's new Airbus A330 aircraft, which are being delivered next year will feature new Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class seating. Virgin Atlantic is counting on rolling out 10 new Airbus A330 aircraft from March 2011.
IHG open new hotel in Central America
InterContinental Hotels Group has opened the new Crowne Plaza San Salvador. The 194 room hotel has been converted from the former Hotel El Salvador, in the business district of Colonia Escalon. The property has a 24-hour business service and wireless high-speed internet access, meeting rooms, two restaurants, fitness centre and swimming pool.
Qantas strengthen international services
Qantas plans to introduce later this year more daily A380 services between Melbourne and London and weekly services between Melbourne and LA. In addition from 21 September 2010 Qantas will also increase services between Sydney and Johannesburg from six per week to daily.
Jetstar trials iPad
Jetstar has signed a deal with Apple to become one of the first airlines in the world to trial iPads for its in-flight entertainment. Passengers will be able to rent the mobile devices on selected longer flights to watch new release movies, watch TV, read an e-book, listen to music or play games.
Travellers willing to pay extra for more legroom on a low-cost carrier
Most people travelling on a budget fare would pay a little extra for the privilege of having more legroom, according to a Corporate Traveller's online poll. The survey showed people would pay over and above the price of a low-cost ticket for extra legroom, which scored 33% or 83 of the 253 votes, more entertainment options scored 19 per cent or 49 votes, being able to choose your seat had 14 per cent or 36 votes, comfort packs came in as next important with 11 per cent or 27 votes, toilet facilities and carry-on luggage storage received 10 per cent or 25 votes and reading lights scored a tiny 3% or 8 votes.
