Virgin baggage tracking goes global.
Virgin Australia has expanded its app baggage tracking service to cover almost all domestic and international flights. This makes it the first Australian airline to offer this feature internationally. Newly added destinations include Japan, Bali, Fiji, and more. Passengers flying to these destinations will receive push notifications when their bags are loaded on the plane, when they transfer to an international airline partner (if applicable), and when their bags are ready for claim.
Upgraded A330 Economy Seats on Qantas Airways
Given that Qantas' A350 and 787 replacements will be launched over the next decade or so, it has been revealed that Qantas will replace some of its A330 economy class seats with a 'next generation' design. With the upgrade starting as early as the second half of 2024, the revamped economy seats are expected to be based on the same economy seat design as the A350 Project Sunrise jet. This seat features sculpted side holsters, a six-way adjustable headrest, and additional knee room for added comfort.
Virgin Australia signs codeshare partnership with Link Airways
Virgin Australia has announced a new codeshare partnership with Link Airways, increasing its regional presence by approximately 45%. This brings 17 new regional codeshare services operated by Link Airways, including Brisbane-Bundaberg, Brisbane-Woollongong, Melbourne-Dubbo and Canberra-Hobart.
UA and Air NZ extend codeshare agreement
United Airlines and Air New Zealand are expanding their code-sharing agreement, with United Airlines implementing code-sharing on two Air New Zealand routes: Christchurch-Dunedin and Christchurch-Queenstown. I plan to do it. Both routes operate twice a week.
Qantas' new A350 premium economy seats
Qantas has unveiled a new design for the premium economy seats that will be installed on its Airbus A350 jets for its Project Sunrise long-haul flights. The jet features 40 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout with 40 inches of pitch. Instead of using the existing premium economy seat foot 'hammock', a new design has been applied that introduces a calf rest that extends from the front of the seat. The seats also feature two high-power USB-C ports, a 13.3-inch seatback screen, a grooved tray table for BYO entertainment, and a height-adjustable headrest with 8-inch wings on each side.
Jetstar adds two new Asian routes to Brisbane
Jetstar has announced new flight services between Brisbane and Seoul and Brisbane and Osaka. This new route represents the latest service update under the airline's partnership with Brisbane Airport. The Seoul route operates three round trips per week, and the Osaka route operates four round trips per week. The Brisbane-Osaka route is now the only direct service available between the two cities.
Qantas introduces Darwin-Singapore flights
From 9 December 2024, Qantas will begin flights between Darwin and Singapore. The initial frequency of flights will be five times a week, with Qantas planning to offer daily services from March 2025. The QantasLink Embraer W190 will operate on this route with 84 economy class seats and 10 business class seats. The schedule can be viewed here.
Singapore SATS Premier Lounge Temporarily Closed
Air New Zealand has announced that the SATS Premier Lounge at Singapore Changi International Airport (Terminal 3) will be temporarily closed from 15 January to 29 March 2024. This will affect some passengers traveling from Singapore to Auckland.
Emirates introduces new Boeing 777 business class
Emirates has confirmed it will debut a new 777 Business Class with a modern 1-2-1 seating configuration. It is expected to launch in mid-2024, in line with the airline's upcoming 777-9X and A350 products. At the same time, Emirates will be introducing new premium economy seats that offer wider seats, 13.3-inch HD touchscreens and generous leg rest. Click here to find out more.
Emirates reopens Brisbane lounge
After an extended closure, Emirates has reopened its Brisbane lounge, serving customers a buffet and champagne, as well as luxury flyers on its Airbus A380. The lounge is open daily from 5pm to 1.30am and offers two daily A380 flights from Brisbane to Dubai. To learn more about remodeling, click here.
Emirates returns to Adelaide
From 28 October 2024, Emirates will resume daily flights between Adelaide and Dubai. The airline will use Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, which can accommodate 38 business travelers and 264 economy recliner passengers. Emirates is a Qantas partner, so passengers can book these flights on the Qantas codeshare.
Emirates resumes second daily Perth service
From 1 December 2024, Emirates will resume a second daily service between Perth and Dubai. The aircraft will be operated by the airline's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with eight first class seats and 42 business class seats. This will add significant capacity to the Perth market, facilitating further connections to the UK and Europe.
American Airlines launches Brisbane and Dallas-Fort Worth service
Starting October 27, 2024, American Airlines will launch new service between Brisbane and Dallas-Fort Worth. The service will allow Brisbane passengers to connect to other parts of the US, Canada and Europe via the airline's largest US hub. The airline's partnership with Qantas allows passengers to book these flights on a Qantas codeshare.
Thai Airways expands Sydney-Bangkok flights
From 1 April 2024, Thai Airways will add a second daily Sydney-Bangkok flight using the Airbus A350. The timing of this service will benefit connections across Europe and Japan. The updated schedule can be found here.
Air Canada introduces domestic baggage tracking service
Air Canada has introduced a new feature for passengers traveling within Canada. You can now track the progress of your baggage using the airline's mobile app. This feature allows passengers to track their checked items at various key points, including check-in and arrival. The airline plans to expand this tracking feature to U.S. flights later this year and eventually select international destinations as well.
British Airways strengthens accessibility provision
British Airways has announced a new partnership with SigncodeUK to enhance accessibility services for hearing impaired customers. This comes in the form of new signature video content containing useful travel information, both before and during your flight. Accessible via a link or unique QR code, the video recognizes the diversity of the deaf community with videos in British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL), with plans to expand to other languages as well.
Malaysia introduces mandatory digital arrival card
Passport holders from most countries, including Australia and New Zealand, are now required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arriving in Malaysia. This must be done within 3 days of travel for each visit. MDAC will require personal details, details about your length of stay and information about your accommodation.