American Airlines will introduce the only direct service between Christchurch, New Zealand and Los Angeles International Airport, along with nonstop services from Auckland to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, as a direct result of its recently approved joint business agreement with Qantas.

Plaza Premium First is the world’s first airport lounge to transform the lounge space into an art gallery at Hong Kong International Airport.

China Eastern has its eyes set on a joint venture with Virgin Atlantic, Air France and KLM, with the arrangement aimed at providing improved air connections between Europe and China.

Hamad International Airport (HIA) appears to be riding the coat-tails of Singapore Changi Airport, with the Middle East travel hub announcing plans for an indoor tropical garden and a massive water feature.

Air New Zealand has revealed it will shelve its direct Los Angeles-London service in preference of a new non-stop operation between Auckland and New York, starting October 2020. The new ultra-long-haul route will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer programme Privilege Club, is now offering Platinum members access to Doha Hamad International Airport’s (HIA) exclusive Al Safwa First Class Lounge when flying Business Class. Entry provides up to two guest passes.

American Express will open a new and larger lounge facility at Sydney Airport’s International terminal from 23 October 2019. The current American Express Lounge opened in December 2014 for card members, who have now outgrown the existing space. The new facility is located adjacent the Emirates Lounge, near Gates 50-63, and at 600 square metres will be three times the size of the original lounge.

Joint business partners, American Airlines and Qantas, have revealed the next phase of growth in their transPacific alliance, announcing improved frequent flyer benefits and new codeshare routes. The latest developments come after the Trump Administration approved antitrust immunity between the carriers in July.

Lufthansa Group Airlines has announced new flights from Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich to the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, following the demise of Adria Airways last week.

Finnair is introducing a new direct service to Tokyo ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games. The Finnish carrier already operates daily flights between Helsinki and Tokyo Narita. It will introduce daily services to Tokyo Haneda using Airbus A350-900 aircraft effective 29 March, 2020, subject to slot availability.

Alitalia is relaunching flights to San Francisco after a 19-year hiatus. Services to the City by the Bay will start on 1 June 2020 from Alitalia’s homeport of Rome Fiumicino.

Virgin Atlantic is cranking up its operation out of Manchester Airport, adding new flights and opening a new Clubhouse. The UK carrier’s winter schedule from its Northern UK hub will see 30,000 additional seats added compared to the corresponding period last year.