Airlines
SCL's final approach
Utah’s new SLC Airport (Salt Lake City) will open its fourth and final phase on 27 October 2026. This concludes a project that started in summer 2014.
Multi-year initiative for Dulles Airport
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority board of directors has approved a US$15.5 billion addition to its capital construction budget to fund the transformation of Washington Dulles International Airport.
Solomon Airlines to return one Airbus A320
Solomon Airlines yesterday announced a Board-resolved decision, as part of a broader re-fleeting strategy, to return the airline’s second international aircraft, Airbus A320-200 H4-SIB, to its leasor at the conclusion of the current lease in May 2027. The aircraft will be formally withdrawn from service in February 2027.
Navair gets unlimited charter access into NZ
Navair has received Civil Aviation Authority New Zealand approval under Part 129 for a Foreign Air Operator’s Certificate (FAOC).
Oman Air releases new mixed economy-business class cabin fares
Oman Air advises that its new mixed cabin Y/J fares are now published and available for sale in GDS from Auckland (CHC, WLG, ZQN will follow).
LATAM’s Embraer cabin update
LATAM has released cabin details of its new Embraer E195-E2 fleet which LATAM Airlines Brazil will begin operating in the fourth quarter of 2026 to strengthen connectivity across its domestic network. It has a firm order for 24 aircraft.
Air Niugini to resume Port Moresby-Auckland
Air Niugini will resume direct flights between Port Moresby and Auckland from 17 November 2026, reconnecting Papua New Guinea and New Zealand with the first non-stop air service between the two countries in more than 26 years.
IATA statistics confirm premium’s rise
The number of international premium-class passengers – business and first class – reached 109.7 million in 2025, up 4.5% year-on-year. This accounted for 5.5% of all international travellers.
Cathay Pacific ramps up CHC services for summer
Christchurch Airport has welcomed Cathay Pacific’s decision to boost its Christchurch to Hong Kong service to five flights a week during the peak summer months, providing South Islanders with more travel choice and stronger connections into Asia, Europe and beyond.
No voice calls on commercial flights
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has welcomed the introduction of the Quiet Skies Act in US Congress.
ME effect lingered in May but air demand resilient
Total global passenger demand for air travel, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was down 2.2% in May compared to May 2025, reports the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
DL’s LAX lounge update
Phase one of the second Delta One Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has opened. This has seating for 75 guests, located on the Mezzanine level of Terminal 2.
Still life in northern season, says Emirates executive
Emirates regional manager Chris Lethbridge says the lowering of the travel advisory to the United Arab Emirates last Friday was a pleasant surprise.
IATA boss search
The IATA Board of Governors plans to review recommendations for who should be the association’s next director general before the end of June if everything goes to plan,
FJ’s NAN-NOU direct
Fiji Airways is reinstating its direct service between Nadi, Fiji (NAN) and Nouméa, New Caledonia (NOU), effective 22 September 2026.
CI bringing 35D to AKL route
China Airlines will introduce the Airbus A350-900 (35D) aircraft on selected Auckland services from August 2026, offering increased capacity between Taiwan and New Zealand.
Baggage handling improvements underway
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has developed the Baggage Community System (BCS). This is a secure digital platform to support the progressive adoption of the Modern Baggage Messaging (BIX) standard.
O’Hare’s major development
Chicago’s O’Hare is undergoing a major expansion designed to improve the connection from international to domestic terminals as well as enhance the passenger experience overall and serve as a launch pad for future growth.
Private jet provider works on closer ties with travel agents
Navair Private Jet Hire is making strides to connect with the travel trade at a time when it is seeing more demand for its high-end mode of transport around Australia and New Zealand.
NZ announces three new international routes from CHC
Air New Zealand has announced three new non-stop international routes from Christchurch to Singapore, Tokyo (Narita) and Perth as part of an agreement with Christchurch Airport to grow international connectivity into the South Island.
Emett ambassador for Air New Zealand
New Zealand chef Josh Emett, one of the country's most recognised chefs and restaurateurs, is Air New Zealand’s new Culinary Ambassador.
Emett is the only New Zealand chef to have collected Michelin stars across three different restaurants in London, New York, and Los Angeles in his time with Gordon Ramsay.
Hawaiian officially joins oneworld
Hawaiian Airlines has become oneworld’s newest member airline, becoming the third US-based carrier alongside Alaska Airlines and American Airlines and adding Honolulu as a global hub.
Airports, airlines warn of ‘severe disruptions’ in Europe
The Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to cause significant delays for passengers, according to ACI EUROPE (Airports Council International), A4E (Airlines for Europe), and IATA (International Air Transport Association).
Delta to add 30 new 787s
Delta Air Lines will add 30 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner widebody aircraft as it continues to refresh and streamline its fleet. The 787-10 will be a new fleet type for Delta and complements a previous order for 100 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft (deliveries to begin upon certification).
PX’s A220s boost PNG travel
Air Niugini’s says its introduction of new Airbus A220-300 aircraft in September last year, followed by two additional aircraft in December have been a ‘game-changer’ for domestic air travel in Papua New Guinea.
IE adds second BNE-SON service
Solomons Airlines will expand its Pacific network with a second direct flight between Brisbane and Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, beginning 5 April 2026.
Sabre: Indirect channels gain momentum
A recent report by Sabre indicates that airlines are now more open to shifting to (or back to) traditional distribution channels.
AA brings new B787 to AKL
American Airlines landed its new premium Boeing 787-9 in Auckland last week, flying from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).
Trade onboard for QF’s inaugural AKL-PER flight
Qantas and Tourism WA hosted a famil to Perth coinciding with the launch of the new year-round Qantas AKL-PER services.
Trade gains preview of new lounge as Qantas heralds AKL new routes: OOL, APW
The new Qantas International Lounge at Auckland Airport has been met with enthusiasm by members of New Zealand’s travel community who attended a sneak preview of the facility yesterday.
QF to relaunch SYD-POM
Qantas has announced the return of flights between Sydney and Port Moresby following a temporary suspension earlier this year. The service is timed to support growing travel as Papua New Guinea prepares to enter Australia’s premier rugby league competition.
More funding for LAX work
The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) has approved $1 billion in additional funding for the final phase of construction of the Airfield and Terminal Modernization Program (ATMP) Roadway Improvement Project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Upgrades through AC fleet
Air Canada has announced a comprehensive cabin renewal programme.
NZ: Airpoints to Koru
From April 2026, the Air New Zealand Airpoints programme transitions to Koru, a new name and a new era of recognition.
ANZ GSA for AEGEAN
Aviation Online has been appointed as the official general sales agent (GSA) for AEGEAN Airlines, the largest carrier in Greece, in Australia and New Zealand. The agreement includes the subsidiary airline, Olympic Air.
Rusty hangs up his lei, HA resumes AKL-HNL
By Fate Spooner
Reflecting strong demand and the airline’s continued confidence in the New Zealand market, Hawaiian Airlines marked its return to seasonal Auckland-Honolulu services with an event in Auckland yesterday.
CHC’s biggest summer takes off
Christchurch Airport is gearing up for a record-breaking international summer season, with international capacity 15% above last year and exceeding pre-Covid levels.
QF’s AKL to ADL flying
Qantas launched its new Auckland to Adelaide service last Friday, marking the first direct Qantas flight between the two cities in 20 years.
NZ to launch CHC-RAR
Air New Zealand will start non-stop flights between Christchurch and Rarotonga next year.
Sister cities linked
Travel agents across both leisure and corporate sectors were among the around 60 guests helping Air New Zealand mark the launch of its new non-stop service between Christchurch and Adelaide during a function at the Ilex in Christchurch Botanical Gardens this week.
IATA backs LHR expansion
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says it welcomes the UK Government’s renewed commitment to expanding Heathrow Airport, which it says will unlock economic growth, enhance global connectivity, and support trade and tourism.
Originair BHE-CHC flights
Originair’s new weekday and Sunday service connecting Blenheim and Christchurch began on Sunday, restoring a vital regional air link across the South Island.
NZ-3C interline for WHK
Air New Zealand and Air Chathams are building stronger air connectivity for regional New Zealand, with a new interline partnership for Whakatāne set to launch this December.
Changes mean ‘better oversight,’ says BARNZ
The Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand (BARNZ) member airlines have welcomed the Commerce Commission’s Targeted Review of Airport Regulation published yesterday.
Heathrow still world’s most connected airport
London Heathrow (LHR) retains its title as the world’s most connected airport for the third consecutive year, offering over 59,000 possible connections to 226 destinations on the busiest day, according to the latest OAG Megahubs report.
3U to AKL year round
Year-round connectivity to Chengdu is coming to Auckland Airport with the arrival of Sichuan Airlines in early December.
TN introduces Mānava Premium
Air Tahiti Nui is launching its new Mānava Premium class from 1 October 2025.
Wamos Air back for summer peak
Wamos Air will operate selected Air New Zealand services between Auckland and Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tokyo and Bali, from 30 October 2025 to 30 April 2026.
JQ, QF ramp up New Zealand capacity
Jetstar and Qantas are set to significantly expand their New Zealand capacity.
Airline fraud drops, risk persists
New data shows that airline fraud rates have declined across all major global regions in the first half of 2025, with Europe posting the largest drop — a 50% year-over-year decrease in fraud pressure.
Auckland Airport outlines digital departure plans
Auckland Airport plans a sweeping check-in upgrade that lays the digital foundations for a technology-led travel future and brings domestic jet and international travellers together under one roof for the first time since the 1970s.
Tech improves lounge and general airport usage, but human touch still critical
Airports are rapidly evolving into technology-driven hubs, reshaping the travel experience, and unlocking commercial potential, according to a just released report.
IATA's luggage roadmap
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a 10-year Global Baggage Roadmap to modernise luggage operations.
Air charters surge
Global aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has reported a buoyant first financial quarter of the year, especially on the private jets side of the business which saw revenue increase by almost 20%, compared to the same period last year.
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QF to fly direct ADL-AKL
Qantas yesterday announced direct flights between Auckland and Adelaide set to take off in October 2025, marking the airline’s second new international route for customers out of New Zealand this month.
SQ reveals summer schedule
Singapore Airlines will return to three daily flights between AKL and SIN from 26 October 2025. This brings the daily service to four with Air New Zealand’s SQ4283/SQ4284 on the route.
CX’s The Bridge back at HKIA
Cathay Pacific has reopened The Bridge lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
HLZ gears up for JQ
Hamilton Airport is gearing up for the re-establishment of international air services next month after a 13-year hiatus.
