Air New Zealand has begun selling tickets for its non-stop Auckland-New York flights, which are scheduled to take off on 29 October 2020.

With a flight time of 15hr 40m northbound and 17hr 40m southbound, the 14,178 kilometre route will be Air New Zealand’s longest and the fifth longest in the world by distance.

Flight NZ2 will depart Auckland on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 19:55, arriving at Newark Airport at 17:35 the same day.

The return flight NZ1 will depart Newark at 19:05, landing in Auckland at 06:45 + 2 days.

These timings provide ample room for connections in both directions. Most Australians will be able to board one of AirNZ’s daytime flights to Auckland and connect easily to the evening New York service. The total flying time will be similar to what Qantas, Virgin and other airlines currently offer via Los Angeles and other US ports (the main exception here is for travellers from Perth, who would have to endure long layovers in Auckland. You’re better off flying with other airlines.).

In Newark, passengers can connect to alliance partner United Airlines’s extensive North American network.

AirNZ will operate the non-stop flights with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that is configured with a higher proportion of business class and premium economy seats, as befitting an ultra-long haul route.

The aircraft will feature 27 fully-flat business class seats arranged in a 1-1-1 layout, 33 premium economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout, and 215 economy seats in a 3-3-3 layout, many of which can be turned into a “Skycouch”.

Business class seat

Premium economy seating

Economy Skycouch

More information about the seats and their features is available here.

Tickets are now on sale via Air New Zealand’s website and travel agents.

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The Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc (RAM) will officially join the oneworld alliance on 1 April 2020, becoming oneworld’s first full member in the African continent.

It’s been over a year since we first learned that the airline intended to join the alliance, so this is welcome news for oneworld customers, including Qantas Frequent Flyers.

RAM’s regional subsidiary Royal Air Maroc Express will also join as a oneworld affiliate member from 1 April.

RAM connects its base in Casablanca with over 100 destinations in more than 50 countries over six regions – Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, North America and South America. These include oneworld hubs at Amman, Doha, London Heathrow, Madrid, Miami, Moscow Domodedovo and New York John F Kennedy.

RAM will add 39 new destinations in 23 countries to the existing oneworld network.

Effective 1 April, oneworld frequent flyers will enjoy the full range of benefits and services when travelling with RAM. Qantas Frequent Flyer members will be able to earn and redeem points on RAM flights. Travellers in premium cabins and top tier status holders will also have access to the airline’s lounges no matter which oneworld airline they are flying with or their class of travel.

RAM’s fleet mostly comprises Boeing 737s on short to medium-haul routes, and Boeing 787s on longhaul services. Its regional affiliate Royal Air Maroc Express operates five ATR 72s.

The airline offers a two-class Business and Economy product on most routes, with business class in a 1-2-1 layout on 787-9s and a 2-2-2 layout on the smaller 787-8s. On 737s, business class has a 2-2 layout.

Royal Air Maroc 737 business class

Royal Air Maroc 787-9 business class

Economy seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 layout on the 787s while on the 737s the layout is 3-3.

Qantas Frequent Flyer members should be able to earn and use points with RAM and enjoy other benefits from 1 April.

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Virgin Australia has today begun selling tickets for its brand new Brisbane-Tokyo (Haneda) service, which is scheduled to launch on 29 March 2020.

The route will be operated by an A330 aircraft with 20 fantastic lie-flat business class seats in a 1-2-1 layout and 255 economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration (8 of which are extra-legroom Economy X seats).

A330 business class

A330 economy

Virgin is offering all-inclusive fares, with checked bags, meals and in-flight entertainment included, starting at $699 return in economy or $3,495 return in business class.

The schedule for the flights will be as follows:

• VA77 Brisbane 11:40 – Haneda 20:00
• VA76 Haneda 21:45 – Brisbane 07:45 (next day)

Domestic connections are available within Australia of course, and at the other end customers will be to fly within Japan with partner ANA.

Lots of reward seats are currently available, with a one-way cost of 27,800 Velocity Points plus ~$129 in taxes and fees in economy, or 59,500 points + ~$144 in business class. It looks like only one business class reward seat has been released on each flight, but there are many in economy. Snap them up!

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American Express has opened a stylish new lounge at Sydney Airport, offering guests three times more space compared to the former lounge, as well as improved amenities and dining options.

The lounge is operated by global premium airport hospitality specialists Plaza Premium Group and is located near Gates 50-63 at the T1 international terminal.

Guests can enjoy:

• complimentary food and beverages featuring a variety of vegetarian, vegan and wellness options, a dedicated dining area, and live cooking stations
• full service bar including a selection of cocktails and wide selection of craft and international tap beers
• three shower suites featuring L’Occitane en Provence products
• quiet resting areas
• high-speed Wi-Fi
• charging stations
• flight information screens
• a selection of local and international magazines and newspapers.

Naysla Edwards, Vice President of Brand, Charge Cards and Experiences at American Express A/NZ said: “Airport lounge access continues to be one of the most valued benefits for our card members and we know from the success of our lounges around the world that travellers appreciate the stress-free environment, complimentary dining, and luxury amenities that our American Express Lounges offer.

“Opening this new, spacious and convenient American Express Lounge at Sydney Airport is part of our ongoing commitment to provide our card members with premium travel benefits, exceptional hospitality and best-in-class facilities and experiences. We look forward to welcoming travellers to our new card member lounge.”

Customers who hold the Platinum, Business Platinum and invite-only Centurion cards have unlimited access to the lounge and can also bring in up to 2 adult guests (the card member’s children up to 17 years of age enter for free).

The eligible cards listed below are entitled to two complimentary entries per calendar year (again, the card member’s children enter for free).

• American Express® Platinum Corporate Card
• American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card
• American Express® Business Explorer™ Credit Card
• American Express® Platinum Reserve Credit Card
• Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
• Qantas American Express® Corporate Platinum Card
• American Express Velocity Platinum Card
• American Express Airpoints Platinum Card

Card members can also pay for additional entries, costing $55 per adult and $35 for each child aged from 2-17 (free for those under two years).

The lounge is open from 6 am to 11 pm daily.

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Air New Zealand is introducing a new, more spacious Economy product on its widebody fleet from late 2020, offering customers extra legroom and perks on long-haul flights.

“Economy Stretch” will use the current Economy seat but offer 35 inches of pitch (the distance from seat-back to seat-back). That’s four inches more than passengers get in Standard Economy, but less than the 41 inches offered in Premium Economy.

Economy Stretch customers will also receive a premium headset and plush pillow.

Air New Zealand is currently reconfiguring its Boeing 777-200, 777-300 and 787-9 aircraft to fit a stretch zone at the front of the Economy cabin, with up to 42 of these spacious spots.

Chief Revenue Officer Cam Wallace says it’s exciting to introduce further choice to the Economy cabin.

“We know one size doesn’t fit all and we want customers to have a fantastic experience, whatever the cabin. Economy customers told us they want more space and comfort and we’re looking forward to giving customers a new option when travelling long haul.

“While our premium cabins will remain the first choice for those wanting all the luxuries, Economy Stretch is a step-up at a competitive price, and we’re confident it will appeal.”

The new product will be available for purchase from early next year and will be offered on all Air New Zealand operated long-haul flights from late 2020.

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