CORPORATE TRAVEL
BOARDING PASS All the latest news for the busy EA organising corporate travel
New Canberra to Bali flights
Threatened travel disruption
Air New Zealand’ s international cabin crew has formally notified the airline of planned industrial action from 11th to 13th February with expected disruption across the long‐haul network.
The strike notices were issued by the Flight Attendants’ Association of New Zealand after extended negotiations failed to reach agreement. According to union representatives, the dispute centres on pay, working conditions, fatigue management and low pay.
Air New Zealand has acknowledged receipt of the strike notices and said it remains committed to reaching a fair and sustainable outcome. Schedules are currently unchanged and customers will be contacted directly if flights are affected.
If the action proceeds, it is expected to impact Air New Zealand’ s widebody fleet, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777 aircraft, which operate the airline’ s long‐haul services. These aircraft serve key international routes linking New Zealand with Australia, Asia, North America and Europe – including destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Singapore, Shanghai and London Heathrow.
It is estimated that over the three‐day period, between 15 and 25 long‐haul flights could be affected, potentially disrupting travel plans for approximately 4,000 to 7,000 passengers. The timing, during a busy late‐summer travel period, will put extra pressure on airline operations and airport capacity.
EAs and event organisers with travel scheduled during the proposed strike window are advised to monitor airline updates closely, confirm traveller contact details and consider contingency options. S
Virgin Australia will launch Canberra’ s first-ever non-stop international airline service, linking the Australian capital directly with Denpasar, Bali, from June. The seasonal route, which will operate three times weekly, represents a significant expansion of the airport’ s international connectivity.
The new route, which removes the need for domestic transfers via Sydney or Melbourne, will be operated using Boeing 737 aircraft with Business, Economy X and Economy cabins.
This service will also support incentive travel and regional conferences, with Bali continuing to play a dual role as both a business and incentive destination. Visa requirements for Indonesia remain straightforward, with eligible travellers able to apply online prior to departure. S
Key mainland China connection restored
China Eastern Airlines has confirmed the return of direct flights between Shanghai Pudong and Adelaide from June, operating three times per week. The service will be flown using Airbus A350 aircraft, offering both Business and Economy cabins.
Shanghai remains one of Asia’ s most important commercial centres, making the service particularly relevant for organisations with Chinese operations or partners. The route simplifies travel for Chinese delegates attending conferences or trade events in Adelaide, reducing transit times and reliance on eastern seaboard gateways. S
Summer Issue 2026 | Executive PA 43