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.
House of Travel has won the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Award 2025. On the back of the Kantar Customer Leadership Award and the Best Places to Work Award won earlier in 2024.
This is a fantastic testimony to the people across the HOT Group including Orbit who every day give their all to ensure we have the most satisfied customers in New Zealand. Even better that this is recognised not just by one, but two independent surveys.
After winning 3 out of the last 4 years the award has run, making it extra special this year is that HOT scored a rare 5-star rating in each of the 5 categories.
We had the exciting opportunity to take two small groups of clients behind the scenes at Hangar 22 – Air New Zealand’s top-secret innovation hub. Designed to reimagine the future of air travel, Hangar 22 has been a long-held project for Air NZ, originally named in anticipation of its 2022 launch. While the pandemic delayed progress and Boeing continues to navigate global supply chain challenges, the vision is finally taking flight.
We’re thrilled to share that during our visit, we learned the first retrofitted aircraft IS due to land in New Zealand this month. The refreshed cabin design promises a new look and feel that embodies innovation, comfort, and a future-focused flying experience. Route details are still under wraps, but we expect to know which sectors the aircraft will be operating on by May.Orbit Auckland Managing Director, Brendan Drury and Orbit Wellington Managing Director, Paul Rennie, were rapt to attend the unveiling of Air New Zealand’s new uniform collection.
Their sincere thanks to Brydie Hill and the Air New Zealand team for the opportunity to be part of this significant milestone in Air New Zealand’s aviation story.
The new uniform is designed by the world-renowned Emilia Wickstead and featuring bespoke hand painted prints from artist Te Rangitu Netana, the uniform marks the beginning of a new era for Air New Zealand, prioritising what makes New Zealand unique to create a collection that is anything but uniform.
Worn by 6,000 Air New Zealanders around the world, the uniform is a true reflection of Air New Zealand’s commitment to empowering its people. This uniform is not only a symbol of Air New Zealand’s unique place in the world but also where Aotearoa is today.
A wearer trial involving 400 employees will begin in May 2025, ahead of a full rollout planned for 2026.
Hawaiian Airlines’ 2025- 26 thrice-weekly seasonal service between Auckland and Honolulu which pauses operation 30th April, will resume from 18th November catering to the strong demand from Kiwi travellers’ heading to HNL and on to the US mainland. HA8445 is scheduled to resume on 16th November, departing HNL at 01:05pm, arriving in AKL at 09:20pm the following day. HA8446, will then depart AKL at 11:30pm on 18th November.
Qantas International Lounge Auckland Airport
Qantas has advised that their Auckland International lounge will be closing for refurbishment from April 23. During this time Qantas advises the following information for reaccommodating their guests:
Emirates LoungePlease do not hesitate to reach out to your Orbit travel consultant should you have any questions
Hamilton Airport Goes International
Hamilton Airport is undergoing a $5 million refurbishment of its northern passenger terminal in preparation for its first international flight in 13 years. Jetstar’s direct flights between Hamilton, Sydney, and the Gold Coast will begin on 16th June, with the terminal upgrades progressing on schedule. The airport has already installed screening equipment, including two x-ray machines, a body scanner, and feeder belts, which required temporary roof removal and a crane. Construction crews worked overnight to minimize flight disruptions. The baggage carousel, currently being shipped from India, is the final piece of the puzzle. Jetstar will operate three return flights per week between Hamilton and the Gold Coast and four between Hamilton and Sydney. These will be the first Australian flights to and from the airport since Virgin Australia ceased Brisbane services in 2012.
Upgrades For Wellington
Wellington Airport has confirmed $125 million worth of infrastructure upgrades, including terminal developments, runway upgrades, a new carpark and new airport fire station. These projects will boost WLG’s safety and resilience, including renewing its southern seawall and installing new EMAS safety zones at each end of the runway. The improvements will also enhance the airport experience for travellers with upgrades along every phase of the passenger journey. The east side carpark will open next month, and the airport fire station by the year’s end, while the new EMAS system for its bag handling facility is enroute from the US, and apron developments have begun.
Hamad Airport’s Latest Expansion
Hamad International Airport has opened concourses D and E, a development that will increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate over 65 million passengers annually. This expansion, which adds 14% more space to the terminal, includes 17 new aircraft contact gates, improving the airport’s ability to handle more international carriers and offer direct routes. The new concourses integrate advanced technology such as self-boarding systems and smart technology for faster document verification, reducing wait times. Additionally, they feature upgraded facilities, including a wider range of retail outlets, global dining options, more accessible services, and spacious seating areas. This marks the completion of an expansion project that began in 2018, which also includes the Orchard, a 6,000m² indoor tropical garden.
Qantas’ Darwin – Singapore Takes Off
Qantas launched its inaugural Darwin-Singapore service last Sunday, marking the Northern Territory’s newest international route. The service adds over 70,000 seats annually between Darwin (DRW) and Singapore (SIN), offering a convenient one-stop connection to Asia and Europe. This direct route will simplify travel for international visitors to Darwin, cutting hours of travel time by eliminating the need to transit through other Australian cities. Operating four times per week on a 737-800 aircraft, the service is strategically timed to connect with Qantas’ A380 flights between Singapore and London, as well as other European and Asian destinations through partner airlines.
Jetstar Christchurch – Cairns Launch
Jetstar launched its new thrice-weekly flights between Christchurch and Cairns on Wednesday morning, marking a significant milestone in its Tasman expansion. The route will add approximately 70,000 seats annually, making North Queensland more accessible for South Islanders. Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker noted that the new flights will make Tasman travel easier and more affordable, reducing both time and costs for passengers. The service, which is launching just ahead of the Easter school holidays, is expected to be popular with families and friends looking to reconnect. This new Christchurch-Cairns route is one of four new Tasman services Jetstar is introducing this year.
