Business class flights to the United Kingdom and the United States are finally starting to fall, with premium class price wars currently underway to two of the most popular international destinations for Australian travellers.

American Airlines has announced it will commence new non-stop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth to Brisbane from October – the first-ever scheduled service between the destinations.

The oneworld® alliance has unveiled its first ever fully branded dedicated airport lounge as the group prepares to celebrate its landmark 25th anniversary later this year.

The Victorian Government has welcomed the addition of Melbourne to the global network map of Turkish Airlines, commencing from March 2024. The highly-suspected selection of Melbourne as Turkish Airlines’ first Australia gateway had been in the rumour-mill for years, but more so following an event in the Victorian capital last year.

Delta Air Lines has ordered 20 new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft that will join the carrier’s widebody fleet beginning 2026.

Qatar Airways yesterday [11 January 2024] launched its inaugural journey to AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from Doha, marking the airline’s commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences across over 170 destinations worldwide. The trip showcased AlUla as a new and exciting destination, offering travellers a unique blend of history, culture, and luxury.

Finnair has named Turkka Kuusisto as its new CEO, commencing in the role from 11 July 2024, at the latest. Kuusisto joins Finnair from Posti Group Corporation, where he has served as the CEO since 2020. Prior to his CEO position at Posti, Kuusisto served in senior leadership positions with the corporation and with Lindorff Group.

US carrier JetBlue Airways has announced that Joanna Geraghty, currently the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Robin Hayes as Chief Executive Officer, effective 12 February 2024. Hayes will continue to serve on the company’s Board of Directors until that time, at which point Geraghty will join the Board. Hayes will serve as a strategic advisor to the company over the coming months.

South African Airways has scheduled a return to Perth, with flights from Johannesburg to the Western Australia capital scheduled to commence on 28 April 2024.

Finnair has this week confirmed it will push back the planned switch across to the Avios loyalty program for its frequent flyer members from the previously earmarked late January 2024 date to 6 March.

Marriott International and Singapore Airlines are strengthening their strategic partnership, which provides members of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, and KrisFlyer, the SIA Group’s lifestyle rewards programme, with more ways to maximise their benefits.

Qatar Airways Expands Executive Team With Appointment Of Wayne Borland As Country Manager – Australia (East)