The Perth Skyline

The Emirates President, Tim Clark was quoted in the West Australian newspaper, as saying the future for the mineral-rich state was “incredible”. The A380 would help the airline handle the increased traffic generated by the “booming WA resource economy” and the slated Qantas alliance.

Emirates has to wait until a dedicated A380 boarding bridge is finished – which if everything goes to schedule will be mid-2013, at which time the A380 will fly daily and the 777 will fly twice-daily.

Emirates also said that it had plans to expand its A380 fleet from 25 aircraft to 31 by the end of 2012.

In the meantime, Perth Airport is undergoing major renovations. In May this year, Perth Airport Chief Executive Officer, Brad Geatches announced the first stage of a $300 million renovation.

“We are investing more than $750 million over three years to expand Perth Airport, and the transformation of the current International Terminal represents the first stage towards achieving our vision of having all commercial air services operating from one convenient location by 2020,” said Mr Geatches.

The first stage of the International Terminal redevelopment includes expanding the duty free retail options and having a much larger Immigration area.  To minimise queuing, passengers will travel to the ground floor into a greatly expanded baggage reclaim hall and new quarantine area.

Construction on Terminal 1 is scheduled for completion in 2014, but passengers will see changes by the mid-2013.

“We are very aware that, due to the growth in international passengers to over 3.3 million in 2011, more than 220,000 up on the prior year, the current international arrivals experience is not what it should be,” said Mr Geatches.

“We are committed to ensuring everyone who travels through Perth Airport has a high quality experience, so we are completely changing the arrivals journey and doubling the size of all processing areas.”

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination to find that your luggage has gone astray, with those all-important documents, your business suit and more inside. So here are some packing tips that will see you hit the ground running.

Always label your luggage

To help ensure your bags reach your destination with you:

• Always remove old airline tags and attach a label with your name and contact details where you can be reached at your destination. A copy inside the bag is a good idea too, in case the label comes off the bag.
• When you check-in your bags, make sure you get the correct number of luggage claim stubs and that each is marked with the right destination.
• Avoid bag damage by securing loose handles and straps, which can get caught on conveyer belts.
• Locking your bags makes it more difficult for anyone to tamper with your luggage, but remember to use TSA-approved luggage locks if travelling via the USA, where your bag may be randomly searched.

For a quick exit from the airport:

• Mark your bag with a brightly coloured strap to make it easier to identify on the baggage carousel.
• Take medication in your carry-on baggage. Make sure it is in its original, labelled container and carry your doctor’s prescriptions with you.
• Never wrap or package gifts and souvenirs. If security personnel need to inspect them, the effort will be wasted and it will slow your progress through immigration.

Be prepared

Sometimes even the most careful planning is not enough. To minimise the impact of lost luggage, consider the following:

• Make a list of items you have packed and their estimated value. Keep it in a safe place until you return home.
• Report any missing or damaged items before you leave the airport, this will speed up tracing your luggage and processing claims.
• Don’t travel without a USB stick. It will allow you to keep back-up copies of important documents and presentations, should your luggage get lost or your laptop damaged.
• Always pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on luggage as well as your toiletries, so you won’t have to go shopping prior to your meeting if your bag is lost.
• Power chargers for your phone and laptop are another must for yourcarry-on luggage.
• Make copies of all of your important travel documents (passport, tickets, itinerary, drivers licence etc) and store a set in a pocket of your carryon luggage.
• Keep customer service contact numbers in your wallet in case you find yourself with a dead battery and a delayed or cancelled flight.

Rules on what must be carried in checked and carry-on luggage change and vary from airline to airline, so check the regulations each time you fly.

Qantas’ mobile check-in service has been updated to support Apple’s Passbook app. Travellers who check-in from their iPhones can now add their mobile boarding pass to Passbook, which also holds tickets, loyalty cards and vouchers. The new service also issues different coloured passes, so that cabin crew and gate readers can easily identify each traveller’s loyalty tier. Further enhancements expected in late January 2013 will include live updates to boarding passes.

Pullman roll out

Former Sea Temple properties in Port Douglas and Palm Cove have been rebranded. Now known as Pullman Sea Temple Resort & Spa properties, they bring the brand portfolio up to 10. Hotel group Accor, which owns the Pullman brand, is aiming to grow the conference and incentive market in the region in addition to the existing tourism market.

Singapore loyalty program changes

Members of Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer loyalty program and PPS Club can now redeem points for suites on its A380 aircraft. Suites are now categorised together with First Class award levels. Saver Awards have had their validity extended from six months to one year, while Standard and Full Award levels for First Class have increased.

Korean halts Gatwick service

Korean Air is suspending its thrice-weekly flights between Seoul and London Gatwick between 15 January and 27 April 2013.

Airline celebrity chef with a difference!

Japan Airlines has put a new spin on the idea of onboard celebrity chef cuisine. The airline has partnered with KFC so that its passengers can enjoy Colonel Sanders’ Original Recipe chicken on flights from Tokyo Narita to select US and Europe destinations. Sadly there are no plans to offer the meals on Australia-bound flights in the near future.

Hertz eyes regional expansion

Hertz is planning a major expansion in central Queensland. It will be opening new outlets in Blackwater, Dysart, Moura and Tieri and expanding facilities in Roma and Toowoomba.

THAI A380 takes to the skies

Thai Airways has taken delivery of its first A380 aircraft. The carrier has started daily A380 services on its Bangkok-Hong Kong route to allow the crew to familiarize themselves with the aircraft before rolling it out on the Bangkok-Frankfurt route from 15 December. THAI is expecting delivery of another A380 this week and a further four in the coming months. These will operate on its Paris and Tokyo routes. THAI’s A380s offer wi-fi, in-flight mobile use and SMS and MMS messages aboard.

QR sends 787s to London

Qatar Airways is launching 787 Dreamliner services from Doha to London from 13 December. This means that Perth passengers will be able to make the entire journey to London on the new aircraft.

Qantas service upgrades

Qantas has announced a number of service upgrades. From May 2013, all weekday flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Perth will be on wide-bodied A330 aircraft, which offer more space and individual in-flight entertainment. The airline also confirmed that the refit of the Qantas’ 767 fleet with streaming iPad inflight entertainment will be completed by March 2013 and it is launching reconfigured Boeing 717s on its QantasLink network.

Hertz wi-fi reaches Italy

Hertz continues to roll out of its mobile wi-fi service, which is now available on car rentals across Italy.

This project is being marketed as the first internationally branded, new-build property to enter the Brisbane CBD market in over a decade – with the opening being slated for January 2014. It’s the brand’s fourth property to trade in Australia, after the Perth opening in June 2012.

Brisbane

The property will be located in Mary Street, moments from the scenic Botanic Gardens, the river front promenade, trendy Eagle Street Pier and the shopping district of Queen Street mall. The 32-story building will be designed by the local firm, Noel Robinson Architects and boast 246 guest rooms and two dining outlets, including an all-day restaurant for the convenience of guests.

Sean Hunt is the Regional Vice President of Starwood Pacific Hotels & Resorts.

“We are delighted to announce this new partnership and opportunity with Felicity Hotels, a local Queensland identity, which will see our internationally popular, select-service Four Points by Sheraton brand introduced into the Brisbane market for the first time in its history. The new hotel will provide international and domestic visitors with a well-known and trusted lifestyle brand, offering them comfortable and stylish living as well as value for money when visiting the city,” said Mr Hunt.

Matthew Fry, Senior Vice President, Acquisition & Development, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts said, “We have been seeking an opportunity in Brisbane’s sought after business district for a while now, and are delighted to announce this partnership with  Felicity Hotel Pty Ltd, which marks a significant chapter in the future of the brand in Australia.”

“Brisbane is a thriving business city on the east coast of Australia, and we look forward to working with our valued stakeholders to ensure Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane is the city’s leading select-service hotel in terms of its location, comfortable accommodation and extensive business facilities.”

Mr Paul Chong, Managing Director of Felicity Hotels, is very excited about the initiative, as it’s the only purpose built corporate hotel of its kind currently under development in Brisbane.

“As we regularly travel the world, we could see that the Brisbane market was lacking a hotel of this kind. We are property investors, not developers and our task was to build and own a modern business hotel which has been designed with the customers in mind, complete with state of the art technology, comfort and style, all at a value proposition.  We found that Starwood’s and Felicity Hotel’s commercial objectives were closely aligned and we believe that Four Points by Sheraton is the perfect brand for this market,” said Mr Chong.

How long have you worked in the industry?
Over three years.

What are your top tips for companies to save on their travel?
Book at least two weeks in advance when possible and be flexible with flight times.

Saige Deelstat

What should corporate travellers always check before heading overseas?
It’s important to have the correct visa to enter the country they’re visiting and essential to have Corporate Traveller’s emergency after-hours number saved in their mobile.

What are the benefits of booking through a TMC like Corporate Traveller?
Clients are appointed a personal travel manager that will develop an excellent understanding of your company’s travel needs. You also have access to 24-hour emergency assistance. We make business travel easy for our clients!

What are some of the industries that your clients work in?
Mining, Engineering, Marine, Leisure, News and Entertainment, and Construction.

What are a few ways that businesses can get more value from their travel spend?
Book in advance, be flexible with time,  limit changes and  be open to different airlines.

What is your favourite airport?
Singapore. There is everything you will ever need while in transit including amazing food, cinemas, pools , spa and lots of places to catch up on some rest.

Why do you enjoy working in travel?
Every day is different. I am constantly learning about new exciting destinations.

What’s your favourite holiday destination and why?
New York City. It has the most amazing vibe, there is always something happening even on the subway. And of course it has amazing shopping.

What’s your advice for travellers taking a long haul flight?
Take your own socks, charge all your electronics and have a clean set of clothes to change in to.

How do you deal with jet lag?
I try not to have to work the next day after hoping off a long haul flight, and don’t sleep during the day; keep busy and get an early night.

Emirates plans to launch A380 flights to Perth. Services will begin in 2013, once building is completed on the dedicated A380 boarding bridge currently under construction.

Toga rolls out free wi-fi

Toga Hospitality will soon be offering free wi-fi access in the bar, lobby and restaurant areas of its Adina, Medina, Vibe and Travelodge hotels.
Already available in 25 of its properties, the hotel group plans to expand the offering to all 53 of its Australian properties. Adina, Medina and Vibe hotel guests are offered half an hour of free internet access per day, while Travelodge guests are offered 15 minutes per day.

Hertz’s Dollar deal gets green light

Hertz Global Holdings’ acquisition of the Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group has received US regulator approval. The deal creates a global, multi-brand car hire company that covers the whole rental spectrum from premium to budget brands.

MU eyes Sydney route

China Eastern Airlines hopes to launch Beijing–Sydney and Nanjing–Sydney services. The airline is currently awaiting approval from Australian aviation officials for the service, which would be in direct competition Air China, the country’s national carrier.

PreCheck reaches San Francisco

United Airlines’ Pre-check service is now available at San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3. The Transportation Security Administration’s pre-screening program offers travellers expedited security clearance, as they are able to leave shoes and belts on and can keep laptops and some liquids in their carry-on bags.

Sydney gets floating heliport

Sydney will soon be home to a new floating heliport. It is hoped that the new facility, which will be located near Kirribilli, will improve access to the CBD for business travellers as well as attract tourists.

More Virgin SQ codeshares

Virgin Australia will soon offer codeshare flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to the UK and Europe with partner Singapore Airlines. The move offers competition to the proposed Qantas/Emirates routes currently awaiting regulatory approval. Codesharing between the two airlines has also been extended to all Virgin Australia domestic destinations, with trans-Tasman routes to Dunedin, Queenstown and Wellington to follow in the near future.

Air NZ adds new pre-pay options

Air New Zealand has expanded its service options to include pre-paid seat selection and pre-paid excess luggage. Prices for seat selection range from NZ$5 for a basic seat choice to NZ$75 for a long-haul exit row seat, while pre-paid excess luggage options offer lower rates than those charged at the airport.

New runway for Melbourne Airport?

Melbourne Airport’s Master Plan for 2013 includes the construction of a new runway capable of handling A380 superjumbo aircraft. The report, which will be released for public comment in 2013, claims the new runway is key to continued growth, as it will enable the airport to cater to ever growing number of travellers.

Dreamliner heads to Perth

Perth will be the first Australian city to welcome Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner when Qatar Airways starts daily services from Doha to Perth in the last week of December. Passengers can expect more space and comfort with the premium cabin offering lie-flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration, while economy class will be in a 3-3-3 configuration with touch screen in-flight entertainment.

Toga brand reshuffle

Toga Hospitality plans a major brand reshuffle in 2013. The move will see 18 Medina properties in Australian CBD locations become Adina Apartment Hotels from 15 January next year. The three remaining Medina properties in Canberra, Double Bay and North Ryde will be rebranded as Medina Serviced Apartments. The hotel group will also open two new properties in 2013, in Bondi Beach and Mascot, while its Royal Randwick Racecourse property is due to open in 2014.

MU adds new Sydney service

China Eastern Airlines will launch its new thrice weekly Sydney-Nanjing-Beijing service on 21 December. The carrier has also added business class flat beds to its Shanghai-Sydney A330-200 night flights on Fridays and Saturdays.

“We are committed to the business customer and offering full flat-bed seats on three domestic markets out of New York will set us apart from the competition,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president – Network, Revenue Management and Marketing.

BusinessElite Full Flat Bed

“Delta offers a superior product on our transcontinental flights and this move is a game-changer.”

According to the American-based airline, all of their Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft serving these markets will boast flat bed seats within two years. As part of the process to install the flat beds, the BusinessElite cabin will receive a new interior.

On the 767, there will be 26 full flat beds and direct aisle access from every seat. The 21-inch wide seats will deliver an average bed length of 79 inches. Additionally, passengers who choose to sit in one of the 29 Delta Economy Comfort seats will also experience a 50 per cent more recline. A standard 110v power outlet is available in the BusinessElite cabin and Economy Comfort section.

Furthermore, on the 757 aircraft, there will be 16 full flat beds that will arranged in a 2-2 configuration and offer a 20-inch wide seat and a bed length of around 79 inches. All BusinessElite passengers will also be able to watch their favourite movies on a 16-inch high definition video monitor. There will also be an increase in Economy Comfort seats from 11 to 25.

All aircraft will feature in-flight Wi-Fi and industry leading in-flight entertainment with a library of more than 1,000 on-demand options.

The decision to install full flat bed seats on transcontinental flights complements Delta’s investment in full flat bed seats on its entire international widebody fleet – totalling more than 140 aircraft. Delta says that so far 46 percent of aircraft have been modified including all Boeing 747, 767-400ER and 777 fleet type and the airline expects the entire widebody fleet to offer flat beds by early 2014.

Delta is keen to court the corporate traveller and currently offers a gourmet three-course menu prepared by renowned chef Michael Chiarello, which is paired with a wine menu selected by Delta’s master sommelier Andrea Robinson. There is also an extensive library of on demand movies, TV shows, music and games and Gogo in-flight internet access. Passengers who fly in BusinessElite can expect premium pillows, quilted duvets, noise-cancelling headsets and adjustable winged headrests that provide additional comfort.

Parkroyal Darling Harbour

On offer are 340 rooms that boast views of Sydney’s famous skyline or the harbour. The Superior Room has an ergonomic work station, high-speed internet access and in-room dining options, while the Deluxe Darling Harbour View rooms present stunning water views. On the other hand, the Executive Suites boast a lounge area, which provides the perfect place to relax after a busy day of meetings around town. There’s also a fully equipped gym on the first floor and a Club Lounge open to Club Floor guests.

The venue also has conference and meeting room facilities including eight multi-purpose flexible rooms. The dedicated conference room is perfect for eight delegates and features high-speed internet access and a boardroom table, while the Blackwattle Ballroom can hold up 230 people in a theatre configuration and 70 people as a boardroom.

The property has undergone substantial refurbishments in 2012 with all renovations due for completion by early 2013.

According to the Park Royal, “The overall design concept introduces a vibrant and fresh new colour palette that represents the natural Sydney surrounds – from beach to bush landscape. Neutral greys are highlighted against fresh blues and greens to create a peaceful sanctuary within our urban setting.  When completed, the revitalised Parkroyal Darling Harbour, Sydney will reflect the individuality of its location and provide you with a modern, comfortable and supportive environment.”

Corporate Traveller clients who book a room* at the Parkroyal Darling Harbour between November 1 and 30, 2012 will receive a room upgrade on arrival. In addition, guests will also receive 10 per cent off all food and beverages. This offer is valid for use until December 31 2012.

*Terms and Conditions: This offer is exclusive to current clients of Corporate Traveller. Promotion period starts 1 November and ends at 5pm EST on 30 November 2012. Upgrade is valid for use/travel until 31 December 2012. Block out dates apply. Bookings valid under the FCI GDS codes only. Upgrade will be made to the next available room type and is subject to availability at time of stay and will be confirmed upon arrival. To redeem the upgrade, reservations must be booked at best available rate and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offers. Booking must be made via Corporate Traveller. The 10% off food and beverages excludes the Benares Restaurant and does not apply to existing specials. Corporate Traveller has the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the nominated individual to comply with their company’s policy in respect to the acceptance of any qualifying room upgrades.

Qantas has changed the eligibility rules for its Frequent Flyer ‘loyalty bonus’. Currently, members receive an 8000-point bonus for every 500 status credits earned on eligible Qantas and partner flights. However, from 1 July 2013, only status credits earned on QF-numbered flights will be counted.

Accor Radisson rebrand

The Accor group is rebranding the recently purchased Radisson Resort Gold Coast. On 18 December, the Mercure Gold Coast Resort will become Accor’s 200th property in Australia. The resort can cater to conference groups of up to 700 delegates, features a day spa, golf driving range, two pools, tennis courts, gym and sauna and is located just 20 minutes from Gold Coast Airport.

Hertz On Demand

Hertz has launched its ‘On Demand’ car hire service in Australia. The membership-based service allows users to collect cars using an electronic key fob. The key fob is then scanned against a dashboard-mounted unit, which unlocks the pre-booked rental. The service gives access to hourly or half-day car hire, as users pay only for the time the car is used. Initially only available in Sydney, there are CBD pick-up/drop-off locations in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Paddington. If successful the service will roll-out to Melbourne and Canberra, with further expansion also on the cards

Korean Air drop direct Melbourne flights

Korean Air plans to axe its thrice weekly direct flights between Seoul Incheon and Melbourne from 3 Mar 2013.

New in-flight turn-down service

United Airlines has launched a new turn-down service for its United Global First passengers. Available on all long- haul flights, it includes a sleeping cushion, soft pillows and Philosophy-branded amenity kits.

Marriott opens tallest hotel

Marriott International has opened the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai, The 355-metre tall, five-star property is recognised as the world’s tallest hotel.

CZ Cairns delay

China Southern Airlines has announced a delay to its Guangzhou-Brisbane-Cairns-Guangzhou route. Originally planned to launch from 18 December, this has now moved back to 29 January.

Accor open first UK Pullman

The Pullman London St Pancreas opened today. The 312-room property, located near the Eurostar terminal at St Pancreas in London, is Accor’s first Pullman-branded property in the UK.

Autograph into Bali

Marriott has opened The Stones Hotel Legian in Bali. It is the group’s first Autograph Collection property in the Asia Pacific region. Already established in other regions Marriot plans to have nearly 40 Autograph Collection hotels open by the end of 2012.

Air France plans to up its A380 services on its Paris-Singapore route. Effective from March next year, the carrier will add a Friday service to its existing Monday, Thursday and Saturday A380 services.

Luggage allowance increases

Virgin Australia and Etihad have added 7kg to their free luggage allowance. Effective immediately, economy passengers can now check in 30kg of luggage on flights from Australia to Abu Dhabi and beyond, while Etihad Guest Elite and Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum loyalty program members travelling in economy have an allowance of 50kg. Both airlines already offer generous luggage allowances for business and first class passengers of 40kg and 50kg respectively.

Qantas prices on the rise

Qantas has announced it will raise international fares from Australia by “around 3%”. Price changes will come into effect from 21 November and are expected to impact all cabin classes on most international flights.

New Air NZ check-in kiosks

Air New Zealand has introduced new fast track check-in kiosks at Sydney International Airport. The new kiosks allow passengers on trans-Tasman and Pacific Island routes to scan machine-readable passports
and be issued with a boarding pass and bag tags. Already installed in New Zealand, around 80% of travellers choose this method.

Delta launch transcontinental flat beds

Delta Air Lines transcontinental services in the USA will soon offer flat-bed seats. Rolling out from March next year, B757 and B767 aircraft on the airline’s New York to LA, San Francisco and Seattle routes will feature the new seats in their BusinessElite cabins.

Accor sets sights on Bangladesh

Accor plans to open two Novotel branded hotels in Bangladesh. The 185-room Novotel Dhaka Gulshan Avenue will be located capital’s CBD, while the 170-room Novotel Chittagong will be in the country’s main sea port. Both are expected to open by 2015.

Air China ups Sydney capacity

Air China plans to up capacity on its direct daily flights between Sydney and Beijing. The airline is replacing the current A330-200 aircraft with the larger B777-300ER from 11 December and adding a first class cabin options to the route.

Air NZ axes Hong Kong-London route

Air New Zealand plans to drop flights between Hong Kong and London from March next year. The carrier will use the aircraft freed up by this move to increase capacity on its LA and San Francisco routes. Its Los Angeles-London route will continue to offer access to Europe and the airline is relocating to the Tom Bradley terminal at LAX, where it will operate a new Star Alliance lounge.

Air New Zealand has also formed a new strategic alliance with Cathay Pacific, which will see both carriers codeshare on the Auckland-Hong Kong route and improving connections to Mainland China.

Closer to home, Air New Zealand launched a new late-night service between Auckland and Wellington, dubbed the ‘Night Rider’.