Air New Zealand has officially launched Koru, its refreshed loyalty programme, designed to offer a simpler and more flexible rewards experience.
More than five million members will transition from Airpoints™ to Koru, with existing Airpoints and Status Points carried across and mapped to the new programme.
Koru introduces a streamlined tier structure, making it easier for customers to understand their benefits and track progress. The programme also includes enhanced recognition, clearer rewards, and improved flexibility
to reflect better how people travel today.
At the top end, Koru Black recognises Air New Zealand’s most frequent travellers with a more personalised experience and the ability to share selected benefits with friends or family. Koru Bronze provides a simple entry
point, with opportunities to earn rewards through everyday partners.
Further details on Koru, including tier benefits and the transition process, are available here.
Here’s what you need to know:
The upside:
More flights to Europe are being added, as demand remains strong, particularly via Australia.
What this means for you:
If you’re planning a trip, especially short-haul or budget travel, it’s a good idea to book early and stay flexible.
Getting to and from Auckland Airport is set to become easier following the launch of The Auckland Deal – a collaborative initiative between Auckland Airport, Auckland Council and central government. The agreement aligns
the partners on shared priorities for the city’s future growth and connectivity.
Key highlights include:
• Plans to improve surface access to the airport precinct
•Initial infrastructure priorities focused on the northern and southeastern access points
•Progress on Auckland’s Rapid Transit Network, including a proposed Botany to Airport connection
The launch of The Auckland Deal also coincides with the airport’s ongoing upgrade programme, providing greater planning certainty and a long-term connectivity framework. This coordinated approach is expected to help Auckland fully realise the benefits of current and future investment for travellers, workers and freight operators
Wellington Airport has completed installation of new runway safety zones at both runway ends. The upgrade includes EMAS (engineered materials arresting system), using energy absorbing blocks to increase safety in the event of an aircraft overrun.
This installation has extended the usable runway length, adding 143 metres to landing distance and 37 metres to take off distance. Significant overnight work was required to realign lighting, navigation systems and runway access points. Each EMAS bed contains more than 3,000 blocks and spans approximately 55 by 90 metres. The project finished ahead of schedule and within budget.
Air New Zealand’s world-first Economy Skynest will go on sale from 18th May, ahead of its introduction on Auckland–New York services from 26th October.
Located between the economy and premium economy cabins, Economy Skynest features six lie-flat sleep pods arranged in a bunk-style layout. Each pod includes a full-length mattress with fresh bedding, ambient lighting, and a privacy curtain, giving passengers the opportunity to rest properly on long-haul flights.
Skynest sessions are designed around natural sleep cycles, allowing time to settle, sleep, and wake gradually. Two four-hour sessions will be available on each flight initially.
Each pod includes personal stowage, USB A and USB C charging points, a reading light, a ventilation outlet, a crew call button, and an in-pod seatbelt. An amenity kit is also provided, featuring an eye mask, earplugs, socks, and Aotea skincare products.
Economy Skynest will be introduced as part of Air New Zealand’s upgraded Boeing 787 9 aircraft, which will also feature Business Premier Luxe seats, Business Premier, Premium Economy, and enhanced Economy options including Skycouch and Economy Stretch.
Qatar Airways has confirmed it will return to daily services between Auckland and Doha from 17th June, operating via Adelaide for an interim period.
The route will be served by a Boeing 777 300 aircraft, featuring Qsuite Business Class and Economy Class seating, along with onboard Starlink connectivity. The first departure from Auckland is scheduled for 18th June, with flights departing in the early evening.
Services to and from Doha will continue to operate through a designated safe operating corridor established in coordination with aviation authorities.
Singapore Airlines has reminded customers that updated power bank rules are now in effect.
Travellers may carry a maximum of two power banks onboard. Power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh may be carried without prior approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require approval from the airline. Power
banks above 160Wh are not permitted onboard.
All power banks must be carried in carry on luggage and kept in an easily accessible location. They must not be charged onboard and cannot be used to charge personal devices during the flight.
Customers are encouraged to check that their devices comply with these requirements before travelling.
Emirates has extended its disruption support policy for eligible customers travelling on Emirates-operated services, including itineraries that combine Emirates flights with partner airlines. The updated policy applies to travel up to 31st May.
Eligible customers may be offered:
•Rebooking or rerouting within the same region in the same cabin for travel up to 15th June, or
•Travel beyond 15th June in the original booking class, subject to availability.
In addition, customers with tickets issued from 02nd April onwards are eligible for one complimentary date change within the ticket’s validity period. Any applicable fare or tax differences may apply.
Refunds may also be available for eligible unused tickets, in line with Emirates’ conditions.
Customers are encouraged to check their booking details and follow the guidance provided at the time of rebooking or travel.
United Airlines has updated access rules for its Polaris Lounges, impacting some travellers flying in premium cabins on select Star Alliance airlines.
Polaris Lounge access is now available to customers travelling on:
• United Polaris with Standard or Flexible fares
• First Class on Lufthansa, SWISS or ANA
• Business Class on ANA, Air New Zealand or ITA Airways
• Business Class (Basic or Flexible) on Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines or Brussels Airlines
Customers travelling in premium cabins on other Star Alliance airlines will continue to have access to United Club lounges.
Further details can be found here.
