Business Travel News: June 2024

Industry

Huge bonus for Singapore Airlines staff after record profits

Singapore Airlines has posted its highest full year operating and net profits in the group’s history and is confident that despite outside pressures, such as geopolitical tensions, it is strongly positioned to capture growth opportunities. Read more.

Cathay, Singapore Airlines to advocate sustainability

Cathay and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a broad range of sustainability initiatives, including the development and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the Asia-Pacific region, and sharing best practices to boost sustainability performance. Read more.

Celebrate the art of Monet at Gardens by the Bay this July

Visitors to Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome will get to experience a first-of-its-kind exhibition that seamlessly combines multi-sensory immersion and the beauty of nature with the Impressions of Monet exhibition. Read more.

Korean Air to build AI contact centre

Korean Air has teamed up with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to develop an AI Contact Center (AICC) platform that will incorporate innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve customer centre services. Read more.

Airlines/ Airports

Qantas axes China flights in Asia network update

Australian oneworld member Qantas is making a series of updates to its Asia network with schedule changes and the launch of a new route. From 28 July 2024, flights to Shanghai will be suspended due to low demand. Read more.

Etihad Airways, China Eastern Airlines sign joint venture

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have signed a Joint Venture (JV) to cement the strategic partnership between the two airlines, making it the first commercial JV between a Middle Eastern airline and a Chinese airline. Read more.

Which airlines will move to Hong Kong’s new Terminal 2?

Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 2 is expected to see its first flights in 2025, but which airlines will shift over Terminal 1 into the modern new T2? Read more.

Canberra Airport eyes flights to Singapore, NZ, Hong Kong, Vietnam

anberra Airport plans to bring back Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways in the next few years, while also adding flights to New Zealand, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Read more.

Hotels

Banyan Tree debuts in Japan with Kyoto property

Banyan Group will soon launch its first property in Japan with Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, slated to open 3Q2024. Located in the historic Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto City, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto will offer 52 guestrooms, a spa and two dining experiences. Read more.

Accor, Amadeus expand partnership to empower hotels

Amadeus and Accor have expanded their strategic partnership, with Accor implementing Amadeus’ Central Reservation System (ACRS) for its extensive portfolio of properties globally. With Amadeus’ market-leading Central Reservation System, this partnership will empower hotels to deliver inspiring and customised experiences across Accor’s global portfolio. Read more.