February 2020 Travel Industry Update

Male walking through airport on phone

Keep up-to-date with the latest updates about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Airline Updates

Air New Zealand’s new Economy Skynest

Air New Zealand has announced a new prototype for economy class passengers. “Economy Skynest” is a new lie-flat economy seat and is the result of Air New Zealand’s three years of research and development. The Economy Skynest has an overall length of 200cm with a width of 58cm at the shoulder area.

Air New Zealand takes native birds under its wing in new safety video

Air New Zealand has launched its latest safety video 'A Journey to Safety'. This video highlights the impact of New Zealand's biodiversity crisis through the story of a young girl who transports a lost takahē to his new home with help from Air New Zealand and the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Airport Updates

Virgin Australia lounge closure in Adelaide Airport

Virgin Australia closed 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 access a temporary lounge, located near gates 15 and 16. 

Adelaide Airport confirms stage one terminal expansion to open 

The first section of Adelaides Airport terminal opened on 26 February 2020. There has been a relocation of airlines and offices to the new area and it features six new retail, food and beverage concessions.

Hotel Updates

Accor to eliminate single-use plastic by 2022

As part of Accor’s commitment to reduce the Group’s environmental impact, Accor has announced a new commitment to eliminate all guest-related single-use plastic items in all hotels by end of 2022. Beyond the elimination of all plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds already engaged, Accor will eliminate all guest-related single-use plastic items in our nearly 5,000 hotels in 110 countries by end 2022.

IHG introduces voco brand to Auckland 

For the first time, voco, IHG’s sustainable lifestyle brand will be introduced to the New Zealand market. The new hotel will debut in Auckland from 2021 and is set to offer 200 rooms and will be apart of a dual-branded complex with a 294-room Holiday Inn Express. Recycling will be the sustainable lifestyles key focus with beds being constructed using recycled plastic bottles. Rooms will also feature water-efficient showers and energy-saving lighting.

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