Chicago has all but been confirmed as Qantas’ fifth hub in the United States as part of its broader Joint Business Agreement with American Airlines. Paperwork submitted with the US Department of Transportation details the extend of a new codeshare alliance between Qantas and American, should the parties be given a green light for their proposed revenue-sharing agreement.

Qatar Airways is expanding its collaboration with Australian celebrity chef and restauranteur George Calombaris, who will create a new edition of Greek-inspired in-flight dining options for the Gulf carrier, commencing 1 September 2018.

LATAM Airlines Group recently unveiled its plan to transform the cabins and travel experience of two-thirds of its global fleet with a US$400 million investment. The company will revamp the interior of more than 200 aircraft over the next two years with passengers being able to fly the first renovated aircraft before the end of 2018.

Qantas has opened the first phase of the new Melbourne Business Domestic Lounge as part of a major upgrade project that will include a new design, additional seating and new dining options. The Melbourne Qantas Club and Domestic Business Lounge are being redeveloped over a 12-month period, with the lounges completed in stages to allow ongoing access during the build. The first phase of the new Qantas Club opened in May.

Anantara has partnered with MJets, the boutique aviation brand, to enable guests to enjoy the private Gulfstream V or Cessna Citation X and curate a bespoke holiday to suit their needs.

Finnair will introduce thrice-weekly flights to Los Angeles, California, effective 31 March 2019 as part of the airline’s continuing growth strategy. The route to Los Angeles will be Finnair’s first US route to be regularly operated with the new Airbus A350 aircraft.

Virgin Group and Virgin Atlantic are set to launch a new Virgin-wide loyalty program, with “unique and differentiated reward opportunities, to reward customer loyalty across Virgin branded companies”.

Passengers flying with Oman Air are now able to purchase sleepwear, an exclusive amenities kit and other Oman Air-branded merchandise on a select number of routes.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Canyon Ranch, the world’s premier integrative wellness brand, have forged a partnership to reinvent ultra-long-haul travel with a focus on wellness cuisines, rest and relaxation and general wellbeing on the world’s longest flights.

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest 5-Star airline for six consecutive years, has renewed its wine line-up and added new Japanese sakes to its in-flight menu selection. ANA’s new selections will enhance its award-winning wine menu and continue showcasing ANA’s attention to detail when providing passengers with the highest quality of travel experience.

Passengers flying with Emirates at the ‘pointy end’ will discover a new range of luxury products aimed at making flying an even more comfortable experience. The airline has forged collaborations with BYREDO skincare, Bowers & Wilkins and Emirates’ longstanding partnership with Bulgari for its refreshed amenity kits in First and Business class.

Virgin Australia has commenced construction of a massive overhaul of its domestic terminal at Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 3 (T3). Effective immediately, Virgin Australia’s check-in kiosks will gradually be replaced and installed with new software, allowing passengers to quickly check-in, print boarding passes and baggage tags. New service pods and service desks will also be installed.