Last Updated on: December 22, 2024 at 7:43 am
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with Southeast Asia (SEA) at its heart, is experiencing a remarkable economic resurgence, as outlined in McKinsey‘s second-quarter 2024 report. With resilience and robust growth fueled by increasing domestic activity and rising global demand, the region continues to thrive.
This economic momentum is driving progress across various industries, and business travel has been one of the key beneficiaries. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), global business travel spending is expected to reach an impressive US$1.5 trillion in 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 6.2%, as reported by Travel Weekly Asia.
As a travel management company deeply rooted in the APAC region, we’ve seen this upward trend firsthand. In 2024, our platform has experienced a significant 130% increase in flight bookings, reflecting the renewed confidence in corporate travel. In this article, we’re excited to share insights into the top airlines preferred by Australian corporate travelers this year, along with the latest updates shaping the region’s business travel landscape.
Before we dive in, it’s important to note that these insights are drawn from our company’s 2024 booking data for Australia business travel, gathered directly from our app. This data offers valuable perspectives for companies looking to refine their corporate travel strategies. By understanding which airlines are most in demand, businesses can make well-informed decisions to better plan and manage their team’s travel needs, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in their travel programs.
In this article, we'll take a look at:
The following insights showcase the top 10 most used airlines by business travelers from Australia:
Qantas, Australia’s flagship carrier, continues to be a preferred choice for business travelers within Australia and across the APAC region. Despite challenges, the airline is enhancing its services to meet the evolving needs of corporate clients. Notably, Qantas has been offering free high-speed Wi-Fi on domestic flights for over seven years. However, the introduction of high-speed Wi-Fi on international flights has faced delays, with the rollout now expected to begin in late January of the following year. This delay is attributed to technical issues related to the provider Viasat, responsible for fitting the latest antennae to Qantas’s A330-200 aircraft. Once implemented, this service is anticipated to significantly enhance the in-flight experience for international business travelers.
Additionally, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has highlighted the sustained priority Australians place on travel, even amid cost-of-living pressures. Demand for both premium and low-fare leisure travel remains strong, with business travel also rebounding. Qantas anticipates further growth in travel demand in 2025, bolstered by new, more fuel-efficient aircraft, which will increase capacity and help reduce domestic fares. The company is focusing on efficiency gains to address inflation impacts and is excited about the arrival of new aircraft, including the Airbus A321XLR. Hudson underscores the need for reducing regulatory red tape to enhance productivity and competitiveness in Australia.
Virgin Australia has been actively expanding its network and services to cater to the growing demand for business travel. The airline’s recent initiatives include the launch of flights to Doha, enhancing connectivity between Australia and the Middle East, and providing business travelers with more options for international travel. These flights are now on sale, marking a significant milestone in Virgin Australia’s post-pandemic recovery and expansion strategy.
To further support corporate clients, Virgin Australia has introduced the Business Flyer program, offering businesses the opportunity to earn up to $1,000 in Travel Bank credit based on the number of flights taken. This initiative is designed to provide greater value and flexibility for companies managing their travel needs. The promotion is open to all businesses that join Virgin Australia Business Flyer by October 28, 2024, with eligible flights to be completed by November 24, 2024.
Air Canada has set ambitious targets for revenue growth, aiming to increase its operating revenue by 36% by 2028. This optimistic outlook is driven by robust demand for leisure travel both domestically and internationally, reflecting a global shift in consumer priorities towards experiences over goods post-pandemic. The airline forecasts its 2025 adjusted EBITDA to fall between C$3.4 billion and C$3.8 billion, aligning with market expectations.
CEO Michael Rousseau highlighted the company’s strategy of leveraging its strengths to ensure margin expansion, cash generation, and maintaining a strong balance sheet while managing risks responsibly. Air Canada also plans to expand its network, particularly increasing flights to China and other Asia-Pacific routes, which could enhance connectivity for business travelers in the APAC region.
In addition to its Star Alliance partnerships, Air Canada has been expanding its network of airline partners, including a strategic partnership with Emirates. This collaboration offers passengers codeshare options beyond Toronto and Dubai, enhancing connectivity for business travelers between Canada, the Middle East, and the APAC region. The partnership also includes reciprocal frequent flyer and lounge benefits, providing added value for corporate clients.
Jetstar Airways, as a low-cost subsidiary of Qantas, continues to play a significant role in the Australian and broader APAC aviation market. The airline offers competitive fares and an extensive network, making it a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking cost-effective options. Jetstar’s operations complement Qantas’s services, providing flexibility and choice across different market segments. Notably, Jetstar has been recognized for its performance, ranking second among low-cost carriers in recent industry awards.
Air Tanzania has been focusing on expanding its network and modernizing its fleet to enhance its appeal to business travelers. The airline’s strategic initiatives aim to improve connectivity between Africa and other regions, including the APAC market. While specific recent developments are limited, Air Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen its operations are geared towards meeting the growing demand for business travel across continents.
Africa World Airlines (AWA) operates primarily within West Africa, offering regional connectivity that is vital for business operations in the area. The airline’s partnerships and efficient services facilitate business travel within the continent. Although specific recent updates are limited, AWA’s role in regional connectivity remains crucial for intra-African business engagements.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to be a leading carrier in Africa, with a strong reputation for connecting the continent to the rest of the world. The airline has been recognized as the Best Airline in Africa for 2024, underscoring its commitment to excellence in service.
Ethiopian Airlines has also been expanding its fleet and routes, enhancing connectivity between Africa and the APAC region. The airline’s strategic growth supports business travel and economic ties between these regions. Recent reviews highlight the quality of Ethiopian Airlines’ business class offerings, with lie-flat seats on the Boeing 787-9, providing comfort for long-haul travelers.
Malaysia Airlines is undergoing a significant transformation, including the introduction of a modernized fleet and enhanced services to meet the needs of business travelers. The airline plays a pivotal role in connecting Malaysia to key markets within Southeast Asia, APAC, and beyond.
Malaysia Airlines has recently focused on sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, including adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The airline’s Enrich loyalty program has also been enhanced to cater to frequent business travelers, offering greater flexibility and rewards for corporate clients. With its strong presence in the region and emphasis on service quality, Malaysia Airlines remains a preferred choice for business travelers in Southeast Asia.
Emirates continues to dominate as a top choice for long-haul business travel, offering exceptional service, extensive global connectivity, and luxurious in-flight experiences. The airline’s strategic position in Dubai serves as a hub for connecting APAC to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Recent developments include Emirates’ partnership with Air Canada, which allows for better connectivity between Canadian and APAC destinations, enhancing the options for business travelers from the region. Emirates’ commitment to innovation is evident in its rollout of premium economy seats and expanded Wi-Fi services, catering to the needs of corporate clients.
Delta Airlines is a key player in connecting APAC to the United States, offering extensive routes and world-class service. The airline has recently invested heavily in sustainability, introducing initiatives to reduce emissions and enhance fuel efficiency. Delta has also modernized its fleet with new Airbus and Boeing aircraft, providing better comfort and efficiency for long-haul business travelers.
The airline’s SkyMiles loyalty program and SkyTeam Alliance membership provide significant benefits for frequent flyers, including priority boarding, access to exclusive lounges, and flight flexibility. With its focus on both sustainability and customer experience, Delta Airlines remains a reliable choice for corporate travel between APAC and North America.
Explore insights from TruTrip’s 2024 booking data to make informed decisions for your team. Discover how the most booked airlines by Australia’s business travelers can shape seamless, efficient, and rewarding travel experiences for your organization. Need tailored solutions for your business travel needs? Book a demo today and sign up for a free trial!
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