Here’s the latest I can share based on recent announcements around Air New Zealand and its Koru loyalty program and lounges.
Koru loyalty program refresh: Air New Zealand announced that Airpoints will be rebranded as Koru from April 2026, marking a major evolution of the loyalty program with new naming, tiers, and benefits. This is part of a broader loyalty program refresh rolled out in 2025 and set to take effect in 2026. [Source: Air New Zealand Newsroom press release, 2025-11-19]
Koru lounge updates at Auckland: Air New Zealand unveiled plans for a flagship Koru Lounge expansion at Auckland International Airport, aiming to increase space and improve passenger experience with two lounges and a larger footprint. Construction was planned to begin in early 2026, with phased opening and continued access to alternate spaces during build. [Source: Air New Zealand Newsroom press release, 2025-07-27]
Timeline and access: The lounge project is described as a two-phase development with a significant uplift in seating and diversified spaces (quiet, family, social) to accommodate a broader mix of travelers. The current lounge would gradually redevelop after the new lounge opens for elite and Business Premier customers, with a target for the full redevelopment to open by late 2027. [Source: Air New Zealand Newsroom press release, 2025-07-27]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest specific headlines, dates, and quotes from official Air New Zealand sources or summarize independent coverage (e.g., travel outlets) to give you a concise briefing with citations.
Air New Zealand is taking the lead in transforming flight travel, joining major airlines like Alaska Airlines, Riyadh Air, Avelo, Spirit, and Virgin Atlantic Airways in revolutionising loyalty programmes. This new loyalty programme offers exciting rewards for passengers, designed to enhance their flying experience.
www.travelandtourworld.comDiscover how Air New Zealand's new Lookout Lounge enhances traveler comfort, with more updates to come. Explore more on GetBoat.com
blog.getboat.comAir New Zealand is lifting the curtain on a major refresh of its loyalty programme. From April 2026, the Airpoints programme transitions to Koru – a new name and a new era of recognition.
www.airnewzealandnewsroom.comAt 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 industry updates below.
www.orbit.co.nzAir New Zealand has unveiled its new-look loyalty program with Airpoints to be known as Koru from April 2026 with new tiers, benefits and more.
karryon.com.auAir New Zealand is today revealing plans for its new flagship Air New Zealand Koru Lounge at Auckland International Airport.
www.airnewzealandnewsroom.comAir New Zealand Koru - Airpoints is now Koru. What the FFP changes and new Black Tier mean for you. - Any official news on the launch? Seems to have been awfully quiet.
www.flyertalk.comThe Air New Zealand Koru Lounge Auckland is undergoing a major expansion, including the introduction of a new "Elite" section.
onemileatatime.comAir New Zealand Koru - Air NZ in the news - Originally Posted by ntddevsys NBR How much of the drop in loads on trans-tasman is due to the inclusion of the ex-Freedom Air routes?
www.flyertalk.com