Delta Launches Nonstop Los Angeles to Melbourne Flights

Delta Air Lines is expanding its footprint in Australia with the launch of nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne, set to commence in December 2025.

The new route strengthens Delta’s presence in the South Pacific and offers travellers direct access to one of Australia’s most vibrant cities. Services will operate using the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900, delivering Delta’s premium onboard experience alongside seamless connections through its Los Angeles hub.

Travellers departing LAX will also benefit from Delta’s premium ground experience, including access to the world-class Delta One Lounge. The airline says the new service reflects its ongoing commitment to connecting customers with leading global destinations while maintaining a high standard of comfort and service.

Looking to travel to LA or beyond? We can help!

Qantas Expands Perth Hub with New Johannesburg and Auckland Flights

Qantas has officially launched new direct international services from Perth to Johannesburg and Auckland, strengthening the airline’s growing western international hub.

The new routes connect three continents through Perth and will add more than 150,000 seats annually, supporting jobs in Western Australia and boosting inbound tourism. The expansion has been made possible through additional border services funding, allowing Perth Airport to increase staffing, equipment and biosecurity capacity to host more international flights.

The Perth to Johannesburg service operates three times a week and offers onward connections to Cape Town and other African destinations through Qantas’ partnership with Airlink. The Perth to Auckland route also operates three times weekly and provides West Australians with improved connectivity, including one-stop access to New York via Auckland.

Both routes are operated by Qantas A330 aircraft, featuring lie-flat Business Class seating and Economy cabins designed for long-haul comfort.

Emirates Offers Complimentary Pre-Flight Hotel in Sydney for Regional NSW Travellers

Emirates is offering a complimentary pre-flight hotel stay in Sydney for eligible First and Business Class passengers travelling from Regional NSW.

Customers flying on Emirates flight EK415 can enjoy an overnight stay at the Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport before departure, making early international departures more seamless and comfortable. The offer applies to passengers holding an Emirates-issued ticket where EK415 is the first flight on the itinerary.

To be eligible, travellers must reside in the NSW region and live outside a 95 kilometre radius of Sydney Airport. The offer is valid for both one-way and return journeys, with departures available up to 30 June 2026. Bookings must be ticketed and submitted before 23 June 2026.

The complimentary stay includes a Superior Room for up to two guests, Wi-Fi and a transfer to Sydney International Airport, arranged directly with the hotel at check-in. It is a valuable perk for premium travellers looking to start their journey with added ease.

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Give the Gift of Travel This Christmas

Stuck on what to tuck under the tree this year?

Skip the socks and scented candles and give something truly unforgettable.

ATPI Cruise & Travel gift cards make it easy to share the joy of exploration with the people you love and the people you rely on. Choose any amount and let them put it toward their dream escape, whether that is a sun soaked island break, a foodie weekend in Tassie or a bucket list cruise.

It is the kind of gift that never gathers dust and always sparks excitement.

Perfect for families, friends, teachers, colleagues, hard working staff or that one person who is impossible to buy for.

Reach out to our expert team and we’ll get your personalised ATPI gift card sorted.

 

Florin Hotel to Redefine Sydney CBD Stays

Sydney’s skyline is about to gain a showstopper.

Opening in the second half of 2027, the new Hotel Florin Sydney will bring 228 rooms of luxury, design and heritage charm to the heart of the CBD. Operated under EVT Hotels and Resorts’ Independent Collection, this $275 million project blends old and new with the adaptive reuse of a heritage-listed building topped by a striking 22-level tower.

Guests will enter through a soaring 10 metre lobby and discover high 4 metre ceilings in the heritage spaces. The room mix includes generous heritage suites and an Australian first Vertigo Suite featuring a see-through glass floor for those who like their stays with a thrill.

With more than 700sqm of dining and amenity spaces plus a 300sqm rooftop oasis complete with an infinity edge pool and skyline views, the hotel is set to become a destination in its own right. Its A-grade Kent Street location places guests steps from key corporate hubs, entertainment precincts and major CBD drawcards, making it ideal for business, leisure and event travellers.

Hotel Florin Sydney is shaping up to be one of the city’s most exciting new additions and a must-stay for travellers who like their luxury with character.

Want to know more? Talk to our expert team today.

 

 

Virgin to Shake Up European High-Speed Travel

Virgin is gearing up for a bold new chapter in European travel.

On 30 October 2025, the company received the official green light to launch a rival high-speed international train service through the Channel Tunnel. Their vision is ambitious: to connect London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam by 2030, with plans to expand even further across the continent.

To bring the project to life, Virgin is preparing to order 12 state-of-the-art Avelia Stream trains. These sleek, energy-efficient trains promise a comfortable, modern and unmistakably Virgin travel experience. Think faster journeys, elevated onboard comfort and a fresh competitive edge for cross-Channel travel.

A key milestone has already been reached with approval to use the Temple Mills International rail depot in East London.

“The regulator has confirmed Virgin can move ahead with our plans to use the Temple Mills International rail depot in East London. This is a crucial step that puts us on track (mind the pun) to introduce competition through the Channel Tunnel,” explained Sir Richard Branson.

It’s still early days, but the tracks are being laid for something transformative. Virgin Trains is aiming to bring its signature sparkle to European rail travel and can’t wait to welcome travellers on board.

Image credit: Harry Kinnaird

Adelaide Takes Off: New Qantas and Air New Zealand Routes Plus Australia’s First Independent Domestic Lounge

Adelaide is stepping into a new era of travel with three major developments that are reshaping connectivity and comfort for South Australian travellers.

Qantas has officially brought international flying back to Adelaide for the first time in more than a decade, launching its new direct service to Auckland on 31 October 2025. The seasonal route operates four times a week and adds more than 30,000 seats between the two cities, opening up smoother onward connections across Qantas’ global network. Celebrating the launch, Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said, “Today we’re celebrating a major milestone for Qantas and South Australians with the return of international flying from Adelaide.” He added that South Australians can now reach long-haul destinations more easily, including New York in around 21 hours via Auckland, explaining, “We’ve seen significant growth across our international network over the past 18 months and we’re pleased to bring more of that choice and connectivity to South Australia.“

Just days earlier, Air New Zealand launched its new Christchurch–Adelaide service, with the inaugural flight departing on 27 October 2025. Operating twice weekly through to March 2026, the route provides more choice for travellers on both sides of the Tasman. Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul, Lucy Hall, highlighted the significance of the new link, saying, “This new service is about more than just connecting two cities – it’s about strengthening tourism and connections between South Australia and the South Island.” She added, “We’re excited to welcome more Australians to explore our beautiful South Island, from its world-class food and wine to its adventure and nature experiences.”

Adelaide Airport has also welcomed a new level of comfort with the opening of Plaza Premium Group’s Domestic Lounge, Australia’s only independent domestic airport lounge. Located in the Domestic Departures area, the lounge introduces a new benchmark for convenience and hospitality for domestic travellers and complements the brand’s established international lounge in the same airport. The launch expands Plaza Premium Group’s footprint across Australia, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the traveller experience across Oceania.

From new international links to elevated lounge experiences, Adelaide is firmly on the rise as one of Australia’s most dynamic travel gateways.

Looking to travel to Adelaide? Speak to our expert travel team today.

Sydney International Business Lounge Set for a Major Upgrade

Sydney Airport’s International Business Lounge is finally getting the upgrade travellers have been waiting for.

Construction begins on 8 December 2025, with the transformed lounge scheduled to open in early 2027.

Drawing inspiration from Sydney’s iconic landscapes, including the Blue Mountains and Bondi’s coastline, the redesign will offer a refreshed food and beverage menu, a 30 per cent increase in seating and an all-new outdoor terrace with skyline views. It promises a brighter, more spacious and more relaxing space for international travellers looking to unwind before take-off.

While works are underway, the lounge will relocate to a temporary space near gate 24. During peak times, guests may be directed to an alternate lounge to ensure comfort and continuity of service.

Travellers can look forward to a smarter, more spacious and distinctly Sydney lounge experience on the horizon.

The Londoner Offers Fourth Night Free

The Londoner, one of Leicester Square’s most sophisticated stays, is inviting travellers to enjoy an extended escape with a special Virtuoso offer. Book a minimum of four consecutive nights by 28 February 2026 and your fourth night is complimentary, valid for stays right through to 31 December 2027.

Located in the heart of theatreland and moments from London icons like Trafalgar Square, Regent Street and Covent Garden, The Londoner offers a refined city stay with exclusive Virtuoso benefits, including:

• USD100 food, beverage and spa credit*
• Daily breakfast for two
• Tickets to British Museum exhibitions*
• Room upgrade at check-in*
• Welcome card and gift on arrival
• Early check-in*
• Late check-out*

Staying at The Londoner also unlocks access to The Residence, a trio of beautifully designed spaces exclusively for hotel guests, complete with complimentary antipasti, tea and coffee served around the clock. Guests can also unwind at The Retreat, which features a 24 hour gym, pool, cabanas, steam room, sauna, hydropool, hair salon and gentleman’s barber.

Across the hotel, dining and bar options range from elegant Japanese cuisine to contemporary French Mediterranean flavours, with rooftop views perfect for sunset cocktails.

This is London at its most luxurious, with an extra night to enjoy it all. Get in touch with our team to book your Virtuoso stay.

*Subject to availability, and terms and conditions.

Qantas Unveils New Economy Plus for Extra Comfort in 2026

Landing from February 2026, Qantas Economy Plus will be available on Qantas’ B737, A220 and A321XLR fleets on flights across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Qantas Economy Plus is a new seat type that you can book in Economy, offering extra legroom, priority boarding and priority access to overhead lockers.

 

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