Airline News in Brief 03 November 2026

Air New Zealand boosts Christchurch connections: Air New Zealand is strengthening its international services in Christchurch and the South Island, announcing a new non-stop service to Bali and confirming its new Christchurch-Singapore service will now operate year-round. Air New Zealand Chief Executive, Nikhil Ravishankar, says the announcements mark another step in the airline’s international growth to and from Christchurch, giving South Islanders more choice and strengthening connections that support tourism and economic growth across the region. “Christchurch is an important part of Air New Zealand’s future, and these new routes reflect the confidence we have here and the opportunities ahead for the South Island. More flights and more destinations mean more choice. The South Island has enormous potential, and better international connections help unlock that. They bring visitors into the region, support local businesses, and make it easier for South Islanders to connect with the world. We’re being deliberate about where we grow, and our partnership with Christchurch Airport is helping us build a stronger international network that will deliver benefits for the region over the long term.” Jetstar starts direct flights from Perth to Christchurch: Christchurch Airport welcomed the arrival of Jetstar’s inaugural direct flight from Perth, opening a new connection between the South Island and Western Australia and creating fresh opportunities for tourism in both directions. The new seasonal service will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, adding more than 37,000 seats between the two cities over summer. For South Islanders, the route provides a convenient new way to reach Western Australia, with its sunshine, spectacular coastline, world-class food and wine and attractions including Fremantle, Margaret River and Rottnest Island. The Perth connection comes hot on the heels of Jetstar resuming its Christchurch to Sydney service. Jetstar Head of New Zealand Commercial Cath O’Brien said the new services marked an exciting expansion of the airline’s Christchurch network, connecting more travellers across the Tasman. “It’s exciting to be able to bring more low fares to the South Island through the launch of Christchurch-Perth and return of Christchurch-Sydney. Etihad Guest and STARLUX COSMILE expand frequent flyer partnership: Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines announced the expansion of their loyalty partnership, introducing two-way mileage redemption and accrual services for members of both frequent flyer programmes. The enhanced partnership offers both Etihad Guest Members and COSMILE members greater flexibility and more options for using their miles. Members can now redeem miles for award tickets on partner-operated flights and earn miles and request retroactive mileage credit for eligible flights, making it easier to plan and enjoy a wider range of travel experiences. The newly introduced benefits expand on the existing loyalty partnership launched in August which allowed Etihad Guest Members to redeem miles on Business and Economy flights across the STARLUX network. Now, members of both loyalty programmes can earn and redeem miles across both airline networks in First, Business and Economy cabins. The loyalty partnership follows the strategic codeshare agreement Etihad and STARLUX signed in June 2025, and the launch of Etihad’s Abu Dhabi–Taipei service in September 2025, operated by Etihad’s Boeing 787-9. Together, these agreements position Abu Dhabi as a gateway between STARLUX’s Asia-Pacific network and Etihad’s routes across Europe, and Taipei as a key connecting point for Etihad customers travelling across Asia. Chapman Freeborn supports Air Congo’s fleet development: Chapman Freeborn has arranged the lease of a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner between MIAT Mongolian Airlines and Air Congo, supporting the Congolese carrier’s fleet development and plans to expand its passenger offering. The aircraft arrived at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa on 27 October 2026, where it was welcomed by Jean-Pierre Bemba, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Transport; Jeanne Madeleine Mpemba Tujibikile, Chairperson of Air Congo; and Mesfin Biru, Director General of Air Congo. Scheduled to enter service on 31 October, the Boeing 787-9 will provide 292 seats across three cabins: 30 in Business Class, 36 in Premium Economy and 226 in Economy. The aircraft will increase Air Congo’s passenger capacity while offering travellers a wider choice of cabin options. Chapman Freeborn’s ACMI and Leasing team worked closely with Air Congo to assess its operational requirements, capacity needs and passenger service objectives. The team identified MIAT Mongolian Airlines as a suitable leasing partner and coordinated discussions between the two carriers, supporting the agreement through negotiations and aircraft delivery. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]