Air New Zealand rebrands Airpoints as Koru, unveils ...
Air New Zealand will rebrand Airpoints as Koru, with refreshed tiers and a new Koru Black level offering extra perks for ultra-frequent flyers.
nzbusinesstraveller.co.nzDirect answer: Air New Zealand is transitioning its Airpoints loyalty program to a new brand called Koru, with a top tier named Koru Black, and this revamp is planned to roll out from April 2026.
What’s happened so far:
- The rebrand from Airpoints to Koru was officially announced in late 2025, signaling a major loyalty program overhaul and new tier structure.[4]
- A new top tier, Koru Black, has been introduced to recognize ultra‑frequent flyers, with clear thresholds to qualify (e.g., high Status Points and flight points requirements).[1][3]
- Air New Zealand has also shared plans for an enhanced flagship Koru Lounge at Auckland Airport, tied to the broader loyalty refresh, with construction slated to begin in 2026 and phased openings planned through 2027.[2]
What this means for you in Los Angeles:
- If you currently hold Airpoints status, expect your account to transition to Koru in April 2026, with a refreshed ladder and new benefits aligned to your flying frequency.[4]
- The addition of Koru Black is aimed at recognizing the airline’s highest‑value customers, likely offering upgraded upgrades, lounge access, and other premium perks beyond current Elite/Platinum levels.[3][1]
- The lounge upgrade at Auckland could influence how you value long-haul connections via Auckland, especially if you or your colleagues travel trans‑Tasman or long‑haul itineraries through New Zealand.[2]
Illustrative example:
- A frequent business traveler on Air New Zealand might move from current elite tiers to Koru Platinum and eventually Koru Black, gaining lounge access, enhanced upgrade opportunities, and potential bespoke perks as part of the new program structure.[1][4]
Would you like a quick comparison table of the current Airpoints tiers vs. the new Koru tiers and the likely benefits, or a brief summary tailored to your typical travel patterns (routes, cabin, and lounge usage)?
Citations:
- Air New Zealand revamp and Koru branding with new top tier:[1][4]
- Koru Lounge plans and timeline:[2]
- Additional details on Koru Black and thresholds:[3][1]