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.
25 best full service airlines in 2025, according to Airline Ratings
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Ubering from Sydney Airport has become a whole lot easier with a dedicated Uber pick-up zone at its international terminal, located just 20 meters from the terminal doors. This initiative aims to enhance passenger convenience by providing a more efficient and streamlined experience for Uber users. The new pick-up area features seven bays and utilizes a PIN system to verify rides, ensuring a smoother process for both riders and drivers. This development aligns Sydney Airport with practices at other major global airports, reflecting the growing demand for rideshare services.
Singapore Airlines has introduced new business class features across its fleet, focusing on transforming long-haul flights into more comfortable experiences. The redesigned business class includes fully flat beds with improved privacy, a larger storage space, and an updated cabin layout. Passengers will benefit from upgraded amenities, such as new seat designs with greater recline, and enhanced meal options. The updates are part of Singapore Airlines’ ongoing effort to modernize its cabins and remain competitive in the premium travel market. This revamped offering will be rolled out on select routes, providing a luxurious experience for business travellers.
Increase to South Australia
Qantas is upgrading several regional routes from Adelaide to Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Mount Gambier, and Kangaroo Island with a larger 74-seat QantasLink Q400 turboprop aircraft, replacing the smaller 50-seat Q300 planes that are being phased out. Additionally, the airline is enhancing its in-flight experience by introducing eight new regional wines, set to debut on all QantasLink turboprop flights starting in mid-March.
Heathrow Airport has unveiled an exclusive, $7,500-per-visit VIP lounge that caters to high-end travellers seeking privacy and luxury. Located in the Windsor Suite, the lounge offers a range of personalized services, including private check-in, chauffeur transfers, and a dedicated security lane. Guests can enjoy bespoke dining, fine wines, and a selection of high-end amenities, all designed for comfort and efficiency. This new service caters to elite travellers, enhancing their airport experience with complete privacy and luxury before
Auckland Airport’s new domestic jet terminal is moving closer to completion with the start of vertical construction on the main building, known as the terminal headhouse. This key part of the terminal will house the domestic arrivals area, baggage claim, traveler amenities, operational management spaces, airline lounges, and relaxation areas, along with a cutting-edge baggage system. With this recent milestone, around 30% of the terminal integration program is now complete. Once finished, the new terminal will offer 44% more passenger processing space and 26% more airline seat capacity, with an additional 10% flexible seating through bus lounge operations. It will also provide a quick indoor walk between domestic and international flights.
Air New Zealand has announced the termination of its seasonal flights to Seoul, South Korea. The final flight from Incheon to Auckland is scheduled for 29th March, 2025. Currently, the airline operates three return flights per week on this route.
Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien acknowledged the potential disappointment among customers, stating, “We sincerely apologise for the impact. Due to the ongoing challenges with engine availability, we have reviewed our network to ensure we are set up to operate our schedule effectively and best deliver for our customers’ needs.”
Impacted customers will be contacted with rebooking options on alternative services with partner airlines. Customers may also choose to place their fare into credit or receive a full refund. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your Orbit Consultant.
This decision reflects Air New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining a reliable and efficient network amidst operational challenges.
All travellers to New Zealand, including New Zealand passport holders, must complete a free declaration. This process has changed and can now be done via an online form or the NZTD app, for each traveller, including children and babies. Submit the declaration before your flight or sea journey to make arrival smoother, instead of completing a paper form onboard. For air travel, submit the declaration at least 24 hours before departure, and for sea travel, 24 hours before leaving the last foreign port. The declaration is linked to your passport and checked at the eGate or by a border officer. Even visa or NZeTA holders must complete the NZTD. The form is available in multiple languages, though answers must be in English. For more information click here.
