News – Page 3 – ATPI Cruise & Travel

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

November 18, 2025

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

November 18, 2025

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

November 18, 2025

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

November 18, 2025

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.

Ready to book your next trip? Talk to our expert team.

ATPI Australia Wins Most Outstanding Global Travel Management Company at NTIA 2025

October 18, 2025

A proud moment for the entire team, ATPI Australia has once again been named Most Outstanding Global Travel Management Company at the Australian Travel Industry Association’s (ATIA) National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) held in Brisbane.

Recognised as the most prestigious awards in the Australian travel industry, the NTIAs celebrate excellence, innovation and service across all sectors of the industry. This latest recognition marks the second consecutive year ATPI Australia has taken home the award, a testament to the dedication, professionalism and forward-thinking approach of the entire team.

The award was accepted on behalf of ATPI’s passionate team across Australia and their regional support teams, whose collective efforts continue to set the benchmark for what great travel management looks like.

Ready to book your next trip with Australia’s leading Global Travel Management Company? Let’s talk.

Avoid the Pitfalls of DIY Flight Bookings

October 18, 2025

Thinking of booking your next trip online? You’re not alone, but you might be risking more than you realise.

A recent September 2025 survey by travel insurance provider Insure&Go revealed that nearly six in 10 Australians have made serious mistakes when booking their own flights. These mistakes include paying too much, selecting poor accommodation, losing refunds or even missing connections altogether.

This marks a notable increase from a 2018 Skyscanner study, which found that two in five Australians had made booking errors, sometimes costing them their entire fare.

Common booking mistakes we see:

Incorrect flight details: Booking the wrong date or time, entering incorrect passenger information, or choosing the wrong airport are the most frequent errors.
Missing baggage allowance: Not adding baggage to a booking can lead to extra costs at the airport.
Seat selection: Forgoing paid seat selection on budget airlines can result in sitting in an undesirable middle seat or being separated from travel companions.
Unsafe accommodation: Choosing unsuitable accommodation can lead to other problems, such as not being able to get a refund when cancelling.

For peace of mind with an expert in control of your travel arrangements and the best advice contact us for a quote and booking today.

Qantas A321XLR Fleet Takes to the Skies With First Commercial Flights

October 18, 2025

Qantas is celebrating the launch of its newest aircraft, with its first two next-generation Airbus A321XLR aircraft taking off for their first commercial flights.

The two A321XLR aircraft, ‘Great Ocean Road’ (VH-OGA) and ‘Outback Way’ (VH-OGB), are operating their inaugural commercial services between Sydney and Melbourne and Sydney and Perth respectively.

Qantas is the first airline in the Asia Pacific region to fly the new aircraft type, and the fourth airline globally.

The A321XLR features a wider and longer cabin than previous generation narrowbody aircraft, with wider seats, higher ceilings, larger windows, fast and free Wi-Fi and space for around 60 per cent more bags than Qantas’ Boeing 737s. The A321XLR use less fuel per seat than the 737 it replaces, enabling a reduction in carbon emissions*.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the A321XLR aircraft represented a significant milestone in the Group’s fleet renewal program.

“Investing in next generation aircraft is the most significant way we can elevate the travel experience for our customers and our people. We have already seen a significant improvement in customer satisfaction on our new A220s and Jetstar’s new aircraft.

The extended flight range enables us to operate these aircraft on both domestic and short haul international routes, including destinations across South East Asia that are not viable with our current narrowbody fleet.” Said Hudson.

A321XLR FACTS

Qantas A321XLRs are five metres longer than the 737-800 and will seat 197 passengers (20 Business seats and 177 Economy seats), an increase of 13 per cent in total seat capacity with no reduction in space between seats and a 66 per cent increase in Business seats
It can fly approximately 8,700 km, around 3,000 km further than the 737-800 and opens a wider range of direct domestic and short and medium haul international routes.
Qantas A321XLRs are powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM).
The A321XLR incorporates advanced lightweight materials and next-generation design technologies that enable reduced fuel burn and lower emissions per seat on like‑for-like sectors compared to previous generation aircraft.
Qantas’ A321XLR aircraft are named after Australian walks, rivers and roads, as a nod to the iconic travel opportunities across Australia and the importance of connecting our vast landscape.

*The A321XLR enables reduced fuel burn and lower emissions per seat on like-for-like sectors compared to previous generation aircraft.

Have questions? Get in touch with our team.

USA Remote Baggage Screening Update

October 18, 2025

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proud to announce the implementation of a groundbreaking process to enhance the efficiency of international travel. The new International Remote Baggage Screening initiative allows for passengers arriving in the U.S. from foreign airports to continue to their connecting flights without the need to re-check their bags, unless specifically referred by CBP for further inspection. This streamlined process aims to reduce wait times and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.

CBP is currently testing and working alongside American Airlines for its daily flight from Sydney International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport. The operation has already begun and the initiative will expand to other routes and airlines in the future. This collaboration highlights CBP’s dedication to improving security protocols while facilitating the flow of international visitors through select U.S. Ports of Entry.

Want to know more, get in touch with our team.

New EES for Europe Now Operational

October 18, 2025

The EU has now launched the EES (Entry/Exit System), with implementation across the 29 participating countries continuing until 9 April 2026 when the system is due to be fully operational at all EU borders.

Check out our fact sheet here for more information.

If you have questions, please get in touch with our expert team.

Pups Enjoy The Suite-Life With Pup Yeah! At QT Hotels

October 18, 2025

QT Hotels & Resorts is unleashing the ultimate indulgence for your furry plus-one with Pup Yeah!; a luxury dog-friendly stay for pampered pooches of any size, launching across Australia and New Zealand. Because when you’re checking in for style, your pup should too.

Every pet-appointed room is prepped for belly rubs and butler service, as the QT team partner with a pack of premium pup brands to deliver the very best.

New Zealand’s botanical grooming label, smith&burton, features in each stay with a duo of essentials perfect for pooch:

smith&burton Soothing Cologne
smith&burton Waterless Foam Shampoo

When hunger hits, the room is stocked with hand-baked, human-grade treats from Australian luxury pet brand St Argo. And for the ultimate indulgence, in-room dining dishes include tail-waggers of Steak Tartare and Bacon Ice Cream.

To ensure sweet doggy dreams, each Pup Yeah! room is fitted with a CUB bed, featuring orthopaedic memory foam for maximum snoozing comfort.

Outside, the adventure continues. Each QT destination now features a ‘Strut Your Pup’ digital map; a go-to for the best local walks, pup-friendly parks, cafés, and QT-approved photo ops. Need a break from man’s best friend? Select QT Hotels even offer a personal Director of Chaos, ready to whisk pups away for a “w-a-l-k”.

This is designer dog life, unleashed, all woofers welcome. Pup Yeah! rooms start at an additional $120 for three nights, and the refreshed offering is now live.

Ready to book? Get in touch with our friendly team.

Ready for Take-Off?

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