At Orbit World Travel, we strive to stay up to date with the latest news from airlines and airports around the world. View a small section of the latest updates below.
Air New Zealand’s first refurbished Dreamliner entered commercial service on Monday with a flight to Brisbane carrying trade representatives and airline executives. The $35 million per aircraft upgrade marks a significant refresh across the airline’s 14 Boeing 787s, with the most notable improvements in the Business Premier cabin, aligning with the airline’s premium leisure focus. The revamped cabin features a modern design, increased privacy, sliding doors in Business Luxe, larger lie-flat beds, and space for two to dine. Premium Economy now includes fixed outer shell seats, allowing passengers to recline without affecting others-addressing a long-standing traveller concern. New uniforms were also showcased during the flight, with a full rollout underway. Later this decade, the airline plans to upgrade its Boeing 777 premium cabins, though these will feature off-the-shelf products rather than custom designs.
Air New Zealand is set to launch a new top-tier level in its Airpoints loyalty program later this year, positioned above the current Elite status but below the invitation-only Elite Priority One. Though the official name remains under wraps, the tier-long speculated as “Elite Plus”-will offer enhanced perks such as priority upgrades, preferential seating, access to a new international Elite Lounge opening in Auckland in 2026, and complimentary upgrades to unsold Business Premier Luxe seats. Based on previous member surveys, the tier may require up to 3,200 Status Points annually and could include benefits like same-day flight changes, free preferred seating, a 50% Airpoints bonus, free airport parking, and the ability to extend Elite status to a partner or companion.
Auckland to Adelaide
Qantas will launch seasonal non-stop flights between Auckland and Adelaide from 31 October 2025 to 3 May 2026, operating four times a week on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, adding over 30,000 seats and enhancing travel options for Kiwis heading to South Australia. This new route supports travel for leisure, events, and family visits, while coinciding with the opening of Qantas’ first Domestic Business Lounge in Adelaide, set to open mid-2025. The lounge, inspired by local icons like the Adelaide Central Market and Flinders Chase National Park, will feature a Market Kitchen with dishes by Neil Perry and Maggie Beer, locally sourced design elements, and ample power access. This follows Qantas’ announcement of a new Auckland lounge opening in 2026, reinforcing its investment in premium customer experiences across its global network.
Auckland to Perth
Qantas will launch two new international routes in December 2025, with direct flights between Auckland-Perth and Perth-Johannesburg operating three times weekly on Airbus A330 aircraft, each offering lie-flat business suites and 224 economy seats. These services will provide New Zealand travellers with easier access to destinations in Western Australia and beyond, including one-stop connections to Johannesburg, London, and Broome. Additionally, Qantas is enhancing its international schedule with daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights from Auckland to Brisbane continuing to Los Angeles from October 2025, increased Melbourne-Dallas flights, and shared Brisbane-Los Angeles services with American Airlines over the summer. Qantas will also take over Sydney-Honolulu flights from Jetstar in late October 2025 and reintroduce its final A380 on the Sydney-Dallas route from January 2026, boosting premium seat availability.
We were honoured to receive 3 awards at the National Travel Industry Awards 2025.
While we know our talented teams across the country deliver value to our clients every day, being recognised independently by the Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) gave us the chance to celebrate the effort, problem-solving pivots, and passion we pour into our work.
Meet Andrea Russell, who won Corporate Travel Agency Manager of the Year!“Being named Corporate Travel Agency Manager of the Year is an incredible honour and truly humbling. More than anything, it’s a reflection of the amazing team I get to work with every day and our shared dedication to going above and beyond for our clients.”
Next up is Debbie Kelly, our Customer Advocacy of the Year award winner!Debbie is known by clients and suppliers as someone who cares and works hard to make clients’ travel experiences as hassle-free and seamless as possible. She has many superpowers, but her active listening skills and ability to understand clients’ needs are at the top of the list. “I’m so happy to win this award as it confirms how important what I do is and that my industry also acknowledges it.”
Debbie is one of our customer advocacy powerhouses, along with Anna Marshall, our Sustainability Programme Manager, who was also nominated in this award category. While Anna didn’t take home the award, she says, “It was an honour to be in the mix with Debbie. She absolutely deserves the win!” What a fabulous duo!
We also want to give a huge shoutout to Abigail Gorman, our award-winning Corporate Rookie of the Year from Orbit World Travel Christchurch. In her brief time in corporate travel management, Abigail has already made her mark. Bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a love for her work, she’s hit the ground running, and we’re excited to support her as she builds her career at Orbit.
A big thank you to the Travel Agents Association of NZ (TAANZ) board for such a vibrant industry celebration!
The cost of a New Zealand passport has increased, effective immediately. An adult passport is now $247 (was $215) and passports for children now $144 (was $125). The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs introduced the increase on 02nd May.
Just a reminder that the Melbourne Safety and Security Charge Tax has increased to AUD $10.50 for all international departures. This change applies to all sales effective immediately, for travel commencing on or after 01st July 2025.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends that travellers heading to the U.S. submit their ESTA applications at least 72 hours before departure. Although applications can be submitted any time before travel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection advises applying early, ideally when travel plans begin or before buying tickets. ESTAs remain valid for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Despite being electronic, travellers are encouraged to carry a printed copy of their ESTA for reference. See more details here.
