Business travel: 2016 in review

January

• Hilton introduces new economy brand
• Lufthansa takes delivery of world’s first A320neo
• New security checkpoint rules for foreigners flying domestic within Malaysia
• China Airlines welcomes relaxation of mainland transit regulations
• Hong Kong and Shenzhen airports partner to establish closer travel links

February

• Uber losing over US$1 billion a year in China
• Five new cabin products launched or launching in 2016
• Japan grants US carriers daytime slots at Haneda
• Dubai Airport’s Concourse D to open in late February
• China rolls out 144-hour visa-free policy

March

• Dusit expansion plan takes shape
• Airbus launches new cabin brand
• Shangri-La expands loyalty programme’s benefits
• Ascott launches new brand aimed at China’s middle class
• SIA to introduce new premium products on A380s

April

• Report shows Chinese airports suffer from poor OTP
• Malaysia Airlines recommissions B747
• Qantas offers “parental leave” for FFP members
• JAL renovates international lounge at Tokyo Narita
• Skyteam opens new lounge in Dubai

May

• Cathay Pacific B747 gets one last hurrah
• Wanda Group opens “city-sized” development in Nanchang
• Beijing Airport introduces “Female Only” security lines
• Changi Airport trials new security screening tech
• Virgin Australia rolls out new business class
• Severe turbulence injures passengers on Etihad flight

June

• Istanbul airport rocked by terrorist attack
• Singapore and US launch programme for expedited immigration clearance
• Opening of new Terminal 3 at Jakarta’s airport delayed
• Saudia unveils new first class seat
• United to launch new business class experience

July

• Malaysia Airlines makes landmark B737 Max order – and announces premium economy
• First look: Conrad Manila
• Airbus rallies passenger support for A380
• Accorhotels acquires FRHI Hotels and Resorts
• Air Asia orders 100 A321neo at Farnborough
• Star Alliance introduces new check-in concept at Tokyo Narita

August

• Shangri-La launches new F&B loyalty programme
• New Malaysia Airlines chief outlines recovery plan
• Air New Zealand to discontinue premium economy Spaceseat
• Cathay Pacific and Dragonair add 10kg to standard baggage allowance
• Delta introduces world’s first all-suite business class
• Emirates flight from India crashes at Dubai International

September

• Qatar announces changes to transit visa rules
• Marriott and Starwood merger completes
• Virgin Australia to resume non-stop Melbourne–Los Angeles service
• Singapore Airlines decides against extending lease of A380
• Parisian Macao launches on Cotai Strip
• Flight review: Cathay Pacific A350-900 Business Class

October

• Hyatt introducing new loyalty programme
• Qantas unveils Dreamliner cabins and updated logo
• IHG to introduce wellness-focused Even brand to Australasia
• Hong Kong International Airport to build a mega Skycity
• Qatar Airways orders 40 B787 and B777 aircraft
• Cathay Pacific to adopt ten-abreast seating in Boeing aircraft

November

• Shangri-La and Taj Hotels form loyalty alliance
• Cathay Pacific Heathrow Terminal 3 lounge reopens
• Dragonair officially becomes Cathay Dragon
• Emirates launches newly configured A380
• Ascott opens first The Crest Collection Hotel in Asia
• Flight review: Singapore Airlines A350-900 Business Class

December

• HK Express launches U-Biz business travel service
• Changi Airport Group completes construction of Terminal 4 building
• Oakwood ends 2016 with new brand and Vietnam debut
• Professional driver service Blacklane expands in Asia Pacific
• CONFIRMED: Qantas will fly Perth-London nonstop
• United launches B777-300ER to Hong Kong