Welcome to this week’s Orbit Travel Brief.
Your snapshot of the latest travel advisories, airline updates and key developments across the travel industry, helping you stay informed and in control of your travel programme.
Travellers transiting between international flights in New Zealand without entering the country can only do so via Auckland Airport.
Customers connecting through any other New Zealand airport must meet New Zealand’s entry requirements, obtain a visitor NZeTA or visa (not a transit NZeTA), and collect and recheck their baggage before their onward international flight.
Air New Zealand has increased the minimum connection time at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from 90 minutes to 120 minutes, effective immediately.
The change provides travellers with additional time to connect through one of the airline’s key international gateways. Existing bookings with a 90-minute connection remain valid, while all new bookings will follow the updated minimum connection time.
Virgin Australia has launched Fly Ahead, giving eligible travellers on Economy Flex fares the option to move to an earlier domestic flight on the same day at no extra cost, subject to availability.
The new benefit offers greater flexibility for business travellers when meetings finish early or travel plans change, with no change fees or fare difference.
To mark the launch, Virgin Australia Business Flyer is also offering Double Points on eligible Economy Flex fares booked and flown between 13 July and 21 August 2026, giving businesses an added opportunity to earn Business Flyer Points while enjoying greater travel flexibility.
Air New Zealand will introduce refurbished Boeing 777-300ER cabins from May 2027, featuring new Business Premier suites with privacy doors, upgraded Economy seating and enhanced in-flight entertainment with Bluetooth connectivity.
The refurbishment is designed to deliver a more consistent and comfortable long-haul experience across the airline’s international fleet.
From 15 July, Etihad Airways will extend complimentary Wi-Fi to Business Comfort guests.
The benefit adds to existing complimentary access for First Class, Etihad Guest Platinum, Business Deluxe and Economy Deluxe customers, giving more travellers the opportunity to stay connected while in the air.
Bunnings has launched PowerPass Pro Rewards, introducing new benefits for eligible businesses, including fuel discounts, Qantas Points and exclusive business offers.
Members can earn Pro Rewards Dollars to spend at Bunnings, access fuel discounts through Shell Card Lite, earn Qantas Points through Qantas Business Rewards and unlock exclusive offers designed to help reduce business costs.
Cebu Pacific will introduce Starlink in-flight WiFi from 2027, becoming the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia to roll out the satellite-based connectivity service across its fleet.
The investment is expected to deliver faster and more reliable onboard internet, supporting browsing, messaging and productivity throughout the journey.
Sydney Airport has introduced paid Fast Track security access at Terminal 1, allowing eligible travellers to purchase access to the Priority Entry security lane for $20, regardless of their airline or cabin class.
The service provides faster access through security screening, although it does not include priority access through passport control.
Queenstown Airport has commenced construction of a new heavy taxiway as part of a $65 million airfield upgrade.
The project will improve aircraft movements, enhance operational efficiency and reduce the need for aircraft to taxi on the runway, helping support future passenger growth while improving day-to-day airfield operations.
Cathay Pacific will return to Adelaide from 10 November, operating three weekly services to Hong Kong before increasing to five flights per week during the peak summer period from December to February.
The additional services represent almost a 50% increase in seat capacity, providing South Australian travellers with greater choice and improved connectivity across Cathay Pacific’s global network.
Western Sydney International Airport is preparing to become one of Australia’s most sustainable airports when it opens later this year.
The airport will operate an almost entirely electric ground support fleet and run on 100% renewable electricity from day one. A shared ground equipment model will also improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
The initiative reflects the growing focus on sustainability and innovation across the aviation industry.
Perth Airport has appointed Skytanking Australia Pty Ltd to operate its jet fuel infrastructure.
The appointment supports the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of aviation fuel across the airport and forms part of Perth Airport’s ongoing investment in maintaining critical aviation infrastructure.
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Whether you’re planning your next trip or reviewing your corporate travel programme, our team is here to help.
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