Qantas Announces Major Upgrade for 737 Fleet with New Cabin Features

Qantas Announces Major Upgrade for 737 Fleet with New Cabin Features

Qantas is set to transform the flying experience on its Boeing 737 fleet with an extensive cabin overhaul program. This initiative comes as part of the airline’s broader fleet renewal strategy, including the introduction of the Airbus A321XLR and A220 aircraft over the next decade.

The cabin upgrades will enhance 42 of Qantas’s 737 aircraft, introducing new Business and Economy seats, larger overhead lockers offering up to 50% more storage space, as well as full cabin refreshes with updated carpets, sidewalls, and mood lighting. The upgrades are designed to offer a modern, ‘as-new’ experience for passengers, alongside the airline’s signature fast and free Wi-Fi.

The first upgraded 737 aircraft is expected to enter service in 2027, operating on Qantas’s domestic routes, as well as to popular international destinations like Bali, Fiji and Vanuatu.

This overhaul is part of Qantas’s largest fleet renewal program in the airline’s history, complementing the introduction of next-generation aircraft like the A321XLR, which is set to enhance both Business and Economy class experiences with quieter cabins, more spacious seating and even larger overhead lockers.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasised that these upgrades, along with the introduction of new aircraft, are a testament to the airline’s commitment to delivering a top-tier flying experience for its customers, stating “This investment in cabins will also support our people who are dedicated to providing the best inflight experience to our customers.”

With over 100 new aircraft on order, Qantas looks to ensure its fleet remains modern and reflective of it’s customer base of avid domestic and international travellers alike.

Sydney Airport Unveils Exclusive First Class Check-in Suite

Sydney Airport Unveils Exclusive First Class Check-in Suite

Sydney Airport has introduced a private check-in suite designed for first class passengers, enhancing their travel experience right from the start. Known as Ascent, this premium check-in area is part of a trial collaboration between Sydney airport, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

Currently available to first class passengers on Emirates flights, as well as Singapore Airlines PPS Solitaire members on the evening SQ242 flight, the Ascent experience offers dedicated check-in, security and concierge services. This exclusive service is currently limited to Emirates and Singapore Airlines, with passengers flying on other airlines such as Qantas or Qatar Airways currently, excluded.

The Ascent suite caters to a range of Emirates flights including those to Dubai and Christchurch, while Singapore Airlines offers the service for passengers on a single flight, SQ242 to Singapore.

Exclusive and elusive – book your ultimate travel experience, contact us today.

Exclusive: Book Your Function by 31 July 2025 and Enjoy Incentives at InterContinental Hayman Island

Book Your Function by 31 July 2025 and Enjoy Exclusive Incentives at InterContinental Hayman Island

InterContinental Hayman Island is offering an exclusive incentive for corporate events booked by 31 July 2025.

The ‘Incredible Incentives & Events’ package is designed to elevate your event with a range of luxurious benefits, including double IHG Business Rewards points, complimentary activities and premium room upgrades.

The package includes double rewards points (capped at 120,000 points), a choice of beach games or an Amazing Race activity for up to 150 guests, a complimentary in-house premium lighting package and one complimentary Run of House Room for every 15 paid rooms (max three rooms).

Additionally, event organisers can receive two complimentary upgrades to the next room category for every 15 paid rooms (max six rooms), and a half-hour pre-dinner drinks and canapés session.

Valid for stays from 1 May 2025 to 20 December 2027, this offer is subject to availability and blackout dates.

For more information or to book, contact our events experts today to help turn your next function from drab to fab, au.corporateevents@atpi.com

Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines Enhance Loyalty Programs

Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines Enhance Loyalty Programs

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are offering their loyalty program members even more benefits, marking a significant step towards a combined rewards system. Starting today, members can enjoy several exciting new features:

  • Status match between HawaiianMiles and Alaska’s Mileage Plan
  • Earn HawaiianMiles on Alaska flights and Mileage Plan miles on Hawaiian flights
  • Redeem Mileage Plan miles on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights

They will also enjoy the perks of Oneworld status when flying with Oneworld partners such as American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Qantas and more. These benefits include priority check-in, access to international first and business class lounges (depending on tier), preferred boarding, fast track through security, baggage benefits and more.

To take advantage of these new perks, HawaiianMiles members who don’t already have an Alaska Mileage Plan account must create one and link it to their current HawaiianMiles account. This will allow members to fully access all the new rewards and privileges.

Qantas to Launch Free Wi-Fi on International Flights by March 2025

Qantas to Launch Free Wi-Fi on International Flights by March 2025

Qantas is expanding its free in-flight Wi-Fi service to select international routes, starting with its Asia routes by the end of this month.

By mid-2025, satellite coverage will also be extended across the Tasman to New Zealand. Qantas’ domestic fleet, including Boeing 737s, Airbus A220s and A330s, are already equipped with the Australian NBN Sky Muster satellite network, which provides Wi-Fi service only when flying over Australia. For international flights, Qantas is upgrading to Viasat’s satellite technology to extend the service beyond Australian airspace.

This upgrade will allow Qantas to offer faster, more reliable Wi-Fi on international routes, with plans to integrate Viasat’s ViaSat-3 satellites for global coverage by 2026.

Once the system is fully installed, Qantas’ Airbus A380s, 787s, and A220s will follow, providing high-speed Wi-Fi, including for flights to major long-haul destinations like London and New York.

Qantas launches its 1 Million Seat Sale

Qantas launches its 1 Million Seat Sale

Psssst! Here’s a must-know deal for your next getaway. Qantas has launched its 1 Million Seat Sale, offering incredible fares for those eager to explore Australia.

Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the Top End or a relaxing coastal escape, there’s a flight deal to suit you. Start planning your next Aussie adventure now.

Be quick, don’t miss out, sale ends, 11.59pm (AEDT) 2 March 2025.

Please contact us for a quote today.

Introducing Delta flights non-stop L.A to Melbourne

Introducing Delta flights non-stop L.A to Melbourne

Delta further strengthens its presence in Australia and the South Pacific with the launch of nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL), beginning December 2025. The new route combines easy connectivity to one of Australia’s most dynamic cities with the award-winning service Delta customers know and love. Additionally, travelers will enjoy the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 and Delta’s premium facilities at LAX, including the world-class Delta One Lounge.

“Delta’s new service to Melbourne reflects our commitment to connecting customers with the world’s most exciting destinations,” said Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta. “As the largest carrier at LAX, we’re proud to provide a premium experience, whether customers are exploring Melbourne or connecting through our Los Angeles hub to destinations around the globe.”
Delta continues to elevate the customer experience at Los Angeles International Airport, offering convenience and luxury at the start of your journey.

Delta One customers can enjoy the Delta One Lounge at LAX, featuring seating for nearly 200 guests, premium food and beverage offerings, one-on-one hospitality, a wellness area, and more.

Travellers preparing to explore Melbourne and beyond, can count on Delta’s exceptional reliability and service which continues to earn Delta top honors. For the fourth consecutive year, Delta was named ‘Top U.S. Airline’ by The Wall Street Journal and received Cirium’s Platinum Award for operational excellence, all while maintaining its status as North America’s most on-time airline in 2024.

Jet Promises Global Travel in Four Hours

It has now been nearly 55 years since the Concorde 002 prototype first pierced the skies at Mach 1 on March 25, 1970. And it has been over 21 years since the era of commercial supersonic travel ended with the final flight of the legendary Anglo-French airliner in November 2003.

Now, the dream of supersonic flight is being revived. Boom Supersonic, an independent aerospace company, has already secured an impressive 130 orders and pre-orders, with major commitments from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

With a vision to operate on more than 600 routes worldwide, Boom is setting the stage for a new era of high-speed air travel.

Back when CNN Travel spoke with Scholl in May 2021, his goal was for people to one day be able to “fly anywhere in the world in four hours for $US100 ($160)”. In 2024, he confirmed that was still his “north star”.

Recently, one of its aircraft broke the sound barrier for its first time during a test flight in Mojave, California. They’re well on their way to achieving their goals.

Emirates Offers Free Hotel Stay

Emirates Offers Free Hotel Stay

Emirates is offering a fantastic opportunity for customers flying to or through Dubai this season: a complimentary night’s stay in the city. With perfect sunny weather and the added benefits of My Emirates Pass offering exclusive discounts, now is an excellent time to explore Dubai.

First Class and Business Class passengers can enjoy a one-night stay at the luxurious JW Marriott Marquis, while Premium Economy and Economy Class passengers will receive a complimentary night at the Holiday Inn Festival City. The offer includes 24-hour check-in and check-out, along with the option to extend at special rates.

Additionally, passengers with stopovers of 24 hours or more are also eligible for the free night’s stay, allowing them to explore Dubai during their travels.

To take advantage of this offer, customers must book flights within the sales period.

Sales and Travel Periods

Sales Period: 6 February 2025 to 26 February 2025
Travel Period: 22 February 2026 to 29 March 2026

For all the details on how to claim your free hotel stay contact the ATPI team today. 

Qantas Restores In-Town Check-In for Customers Departing Hong Kong

Qantas Restores In-Town Check-In for Customers Departing Hong Kong

Qantas customers departing Hong Kong for Australia can now check in and drop off their bags in the heart of the city before their flight, as the airline brings back its popular Airport Express In-Town Check-In service.

Travellers on Qantas’ daily flights to Sydney or Melbourne can take advantage of this convenient service at either Hong Kong Station or Kowloon Station. Once checked in, passengers’ baggage is transferred directly from the station to the aircraft via the Airport Express, allowing them to enjoy a full, baggage-free day in the city before their evening flight to Australia.

This service, which starts at 07:00am, is available exclusively to Qantas customers and is one of only three such services offered by airlines in Hong Kong. The Airport Express, which operates every 10 minutes, takes just 24 minutes to travel from Hong Kong Station to Hong Kong Airport.

This reinstated service offers both convenience and comfort for travellers, making their journey from Hong Kong to Australia even smoother.