Airline Updates
Qantas launch preferred seating trial
Qantas is trialling a ‘preferred’ seat product, giving silver, bronze and non-Frequent Flyers the option to purchase seats towards the front of Economy meaning they will be among the first to disembark and be served a meal. The cost of preferred seats range from $5 AUD to $45 AUD and are available in one economy row on all Qantas flights, except for the turboprop fleet.
Air New Zealand resume seasonal Auckland to Sunshine Coast service
Air New Zealand have resumed their four times weekly Auckland to Sunshine Coast service, that will run from 5 July until 27 Oct 2019. This service will also connect Sunshine Coast passengers with international services departing Auckland.
Qantas to fly Dreamliner Trans-Tasman
From 4th December 2019 to 28 March 2020, Qantas will operate its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner between Auckland and Sydney during the peak summer period.
Hotel Updates
Sudima opens new hotel in Christchurch
Sudima Hotels have opened a brand new $40 million luxury boutique hotel in Christchurch. Sudima Christchurch City is a 5-star hotel located on the corner of Victoria and Sailsbury street, only a few minutes walk from Hagley Park and a 17-minute drive from the Airport.
Ramada set to open three new hotels
Ramada is growing its portfolio and set to open three new hotels in New Zealand in the coming months.
- Ramada Manukau will be located next to the Vodafone Event Centre, set to open 28 August.
- Ramada Queenstown Central will offer amazing views of Queenstown with a full conferencing facility onsite, set to open September.
- Ramada Victoria Street, Auckland will be located close to the Spark Building, set to open in October.
Airport Updates
Auckland International Airport begins major road upgrade
Auckland International Airport will begin its multi-million dollar project in August 2019 to upgrade the main entrance into the airport, as well as providing support for new public transport connections. The road improvements are set to be completed by mid-2021.
Auckland International Airport outline their 10 year infrastructure upgrade project
Auckland Airport has outlined its major infrastructure project to commence over the next year. This will include; new domestic jet terminal and refurbishment of the existing domestic terminal, new international arrivals area, a second runway, new cargo facility and reconfiguration of the international drop off and pick up area.
Singapore Airlines revamps Changi Airport lounge
Singapore Airlines will upgrade its Changi Airport lounge. The airline is investing more than $54.5 million (NZD) to increase the size of its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in Terminal 3, with work set to commence in August. The updates are set for completion by mid-2021 when the new higher capacity lounge will also boast upgraded facilities and new food and beverage offerings.
Auckland International Airport installs additional Elenium self-service kiosks
Auckland International Airport now has 120 Elenium self-service kiosks ahead of the summer peak. These kiosks are designed to reduce queue times and according to the Auckland Airport GM operations, Anna Cassels-Brown, they will be used by approximately 73% of passengers travelling over the summer period.
Sustainability Updates
Air New Zealand to remove around 55 million plastic items on flights
Air New Zealand has set the goal to double its reduction of single-use plastic items from 24 million to 55 million items this year to mark Plastic Free July.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is reducing single-use plastic
IHG plan to remove mini toiletries from all 843,000 of its guest rooms, in an effort to reduce single-use plastic in its hotels. They will be replacing all mini toiletries with bulk-sized shampoo, shower gels and soaps.
Qantas commit to more environmental initiatives
Qantas has announced their goal is to be the world’s first airline to recycle at least three-quarters of general waste by the end of 2021. They also plan to cut 100 million single-use plastic items each year by the end of 2020. They will be switching to sustainable cutlery, cups and bags.
Here are some simple ways you can reduce plastic when travelling:
- Travel with a reusable bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles.
- Pack light reusable bags to avoid using plastic bags.
- Carry your own metal straw or go without when you buy a drink to avoid using plastic straws.
- Make sure you bring your own keep cup if you plan on getting takeaway coffee to avoid using takeaway cups.
Don’t buy single wrapped food items.
Avoid buying travel-sized toiletries every time you travel by refilling and reusing small bottles with the product you already have at home.
Use refillable pens, not disposable ones.
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