Corporate Travel News: June 2022
Covid Pre-departure testing
US ends pre-departure COVID-19 tests
Travellers entering the US will no longer need to take a COVID-19 test. The testing requirement has been in place since January 2021. Frictionless transatlantic travel in both directions means reconnecting for leisure and business travellers to be made easier and offering passengers the personal choice to wear face masks.
Germany drops COVID-19 travel requirements
Germany is the latest country to drop its COVID-related requirements for travellers. Proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID or a negative test is required to enter the country. Germany also dropped its mask mandates earlier this year.
Australia’s airport mask mandate ends
Australia’s airport mask mandate officially comes to an end, following the latest advice from the nation’s top health officials. However, it will be up to the individual states to implement the change, and travellers will still be required to wear a mask during their flight.
New Zealand scraps pre-arrival testing
As of 21 June, New Zealand will end pre-departure testing requirements for international travellers and unvaccinated travellers will be allowed to enter the country without having to undergo quarantine. International travellers will still be required to take two rapid antigen tests upon arrival.
Japan reopens to UK tourists after nearly three years
Japan has finally opened to tourist groups, ending the ban that was introduced nearly 3 years ago. As it stands you only be allowed on escorted tour groups, following a prearranged and set itinerary. Pre-departure testing is required and must be within 72 hours from the sample collection date to the flight departure time, however, regardless of vaccination status, on-arrival tests, quarantine, and other measures are not required.
Airline
British Airways launches first direct route to Oregon
Oregon became the newest addition to the British Airways route to the US. This is the only direct route between London Heathrow and Oregon. The route will operate five times weekly on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with three cabins for customers to choose from, Club, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller. Read more
Virgin Atlantic returns to Cape Town
Virgin Atlantic announces its return to Cape Town, South Africa from 5 November 2022 with a new daily service from London Heathrow. The airline will operate on a Boeing 787-9. The aircraft consists of three classes, Upper Class, Premium and Economy. The service will run until 24 March 2023 and will complement the existing year-round daily service to Johannesburg. Read more
Emirates rolls out full premium economy experience
Emirates has launched its Premium Economy class available from 1 August 2022. The new cabin class offers luxurious seats and more legroom. This will be available to Emirate customers travelling on the A380 routes to London, Paris and Sydney.
Virgin Atlantic launches second daily service to Delhi from London
Virgin Atlantic has launched its second daily service from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport to London Heathrow. The additional connection from Delhi to London offers more choice benefiting both business and leisure travellers.
Finnair reopens Platinum Wing at Helsinki airport
After a two-year closure, Finnair has reopened its top-tier Platinum Wing lounge at Helsinki airport. The lounge is available to top-tier members of the Finnair Plus and Oneworld loyalty programmes and is located in the non-Schengen zone of the airport means it’s open to passengers heading to London or for carriers from the Far East and US destinations.
Plaza Premium opens in Frankfurt lounge
Plaza Premium group opens its first airport lounge in Germany located in Frankfurt airport T2. Situated by gate D8 in the terminal’s international departures area, the new lounge is open daily between 07:00 am-22:00 pm and offers seating for 107 guests as well as shower facilities and complimentary refreshments.
Hotel
Accor’s Adagio brand to open in Glasgow
Aparthotels Adagio is set to open seven properties before the end of the year, including the debut of the brand in Qatar and Malta. The 160-unit Adagio Glasgow Custom House is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2022, with a waterfront location on Clyde Street in Glasgow, Scotland.
Hilton to open Europe’s largest Hampton property in Vienna
Hilton has announced plans to open the largest EU hotel under its self-service Hampton by Hilton brand. Hampton by Hilton Vienna City West is scheduled to open in 2024 and will feature 358 rooms, and a fitness centre. The hotel is located in Western Vienna on Diefenbackgasse and will join four existing Hilton properties in the Austrian capital.
Orient Express will open its second hotel in Italy
Orient Express, part of the Accor group is set to open in Italy at the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice. The hotel will consist of 45 rooms and suites which all overlook the gardens and canals of Venice, a bar and a world-class restaurant and a hidden rooftop overlooking Serenissima. Read more
