Air New Zealand News April 2026

New Koru Loyalty Programme has launched

Air New Zealand's refreshed loyalty programme, Koru, officially launched this week, replacing Airpoints with what the airline describes as a simpler and more rewarding platform. More than five million members have moved across with existing Airpoints and Status Points carried over and tiers mapped into the new programme. The new Koru Black tier has launched for the airline's most frequent travllers, while new benefits include milestone Status Rewards for Koru Gold members, Koru Circle, which lets top-tier members share selected benefits with friends or family. Air New Zealand says Koru is designed around clearer benefits, more recognition and more everyday ways to earn.

Read the full article on the Air New Zealand Newsroom.

Air New Zealand's Economy Skynest goes on sale

Air New Zealand's world-first Economy Skynest will be available to book from 18 May 2026, with the product entering service from November on the airline's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Designed for ultra long-haul travel, Skynest features six lie-flat sleep pods in a bunk-style layout between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins. Customers travelling in Economy or Premium Economy will be able to add a four-hour Skynest session, initially with two sessions offered per flight. Each pod includes a full-length mattress, bedding, privacy curtain, lighting, ventilation and charging points, with pricing starting from NZD$495 per session.

Read the full article on the Air New Zealand Newsroom.

Air New Zealand's new Western Sydney route takes off

Air New Zealand will be the first trans-Tasman carrier to operate to Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, opening a new gateway between Auckland and one of Australia's fastest-growing regions. Tickets for Air New Zealand flights between Auckland International Airport and the new airport are now officially on sale, with services commencing from 26 October 2026.

Air New Zealand will operate three return services a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday on its A320 and A321 jets.  Flights will depart Auckland at 6.10am, arriving at Western Sydney International at 7.55am. The return service will depart Western Sydney International at 9.05am, arriving back in Auckland at 2.20pm.

For business travellers, that added airport access could become increasingly useful as Western Sydney continues to grow as a major commercial and population centre.

Read the full article: Sydney's new global gateway.

Air New Zealand's partnership with Air China has been extended through to 2031

Air New Zealand's alliance with Air China has been renewed through to 2031, with the Ministry of Transport confirming the extension. The airline says the partnership continues to improve connectivity and choice between New Zealand and China while supporting tourism, trade and business links. Since launching in 2015, the alliance has brought more than 480,000 visitors to New Zealand via Beijing and Shanghai, contributing an estimated NZD$3 billion to the economy over the past decade. During peak periods such as Chinese New Year, the alliance supports up to 17 return services per week and gives customers access to more than 30 destinations across China through Air China's domestic network.

Read the full article on the Air New Zealand Newsroom.