All the latest Industry news
AVIATION AND AIRLINE
Virgin lounge closure
Virgin Australia will close its Adelaide airport lounge on 26 February. The closure is part of a terminal expansion project that will see new VA lounge open in March. In the interim, eligible guests will be able to access a temporary lounge, located near gates 15 and 16.
Qantas slashes Asia flights
Qantas is slashing the frequency on some of its Asia routes in response to falling demand due to the corona virus. Flights to Hong Kong from Sydney will drop from a double daily to single daily service, while from Brisbane and Melbourne services will shift from a daily operation to four and five-times weekly services respectively. The carrier has also cut capacity on its Melbourne-Singapore route by switching from an A380 to a B787 aircraft. Changes will remain in place until at least the end of May, while the ongoing impact of the virus is assessed.
Cathay lounge closures
Cathay Pacific has temporarily closed three of its Hong Kong lounges. The Bridge, The Deck and The Pier First Class Lounge will remain closed until further notice. However, The Wing First Class and Business Class Lounges, and The Pier Business Class Lounge will remain open as usual. The move follows temporary capacity reductions across the carrier’s network.
Qantas turns to Orange
QantasLink is launching a new regional NSW route. The carrier will commence 11 times weekly services from Sydney to Orange on 1 May. Flights will operate on a mix of Q300 and Q200 aircraft.
HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION
Hilton plans mega-resort for Las Vegas
Hilton Worldwide has plans to develop a multi-brand resort in Las Vegas. Incorporating its Conrad, Hilton and LXR brands, the 3,500-room resort is set to open in 2021. Ideal for conference and event planners, the mega-resort will also feature a 5,000-capacity theatre.
Radisson boosts India
Radisson Hotel Group has signed 17 new hotels in India. The predominantly new-build properties are spread across its Radisson, Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson brands. Set to open between now and 2025, the properties will be located across India with a focus on ‘smart cities,’ and growth hubs, including Jaipur, Greater Noida, Dehradun, Agra, Gurugram, Katra, Kashipur, Saputara, Surat, Jalandhar, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Mashobra.
ibis Styles opens in West Java
Accor has opened a new property in Bekasi, West Java. The 185-room ibis Styles Bekasi Jatibening is located in the city’s Grand Icon complex and offers easy access to three major toll roads leading to Jakarta and the Bekasi industrial area. The property features an onsite restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and gym as well as a range of meeting and event spaces, including a grand ballroom with a capacity of up to 600 people.