What's Happening?
Air New Zealand is set to launch a significant evolution of its loyalty program, transitioning from Airpoints to Koru in April 2026. CEO Nikhil Ravishankar describes Koru as a symbol of care, connection,
and renewal, aiming to offer a more rewarding and personalized experience for its five million members. Despite the overhaul, some critics note that the underlying structure of earn, redemption, and upgrade options remains largely unchanged. The new program introduces exclusive benefits for Koru Black members, including additional upgrades, valet parking vouchers, and access to the Koru Premier Lounge.
Why It's Important?
The transition to Koru represents Air New Zealand's effort to enhance customer loyalty by offering a more personalized and engaging experience. By addressing member feedback and introducing new benefits, the airline aims to strengthen its relationship with frequent flyers and maintain competitive advantage. However, the lack of significant changes to the program's structure may limit its impact on long-standing issues, such as upgrade inventory access and redemption value. The success of Koru will depend on its ability to meet evolving consumer expectations and differentiate itself in a competitive market.
