Air New Zealand commenced services on its newest international route between Auckland and Chicago last Friday afternoon. Flight NZ26 departed at 5:01pm local time in Auckland and landed in Chicago at 12:11pm local time in Chicago. With a flight time of approximately 15 hours northbound (and just over 16 hours southbound), the flight is Air New Zealand’s longest, taking over from Auckland-Houston which has a flight time of 13.5 hours.

Air Canada today unveiled its newest Maple Leaf Lounge at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Located after security near Air Canada’s gates, it is the first airline lounge to open in the new Terminal B Eastern Concourse and is available to Air Canada and Star Alliance eligible customers.

EVA Air has unveiled a brand-new Business class cabin that will enter service next month when the carrier begins operation using a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Singapore Airlines will launch non-stop flights between Singapore and Los Angeles using the new Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra-long-range) aircraft in November. In addition, SIA will step up existing daily non-stop Singapore – San Francisco services to 10 times per week.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has opened a redesigned Lounge Center A at Zurich Airport. The new centre, which is mainly aimed at short-haul travellers, extends to a Business and a Senator Lounge and boasts a modern zonal concept with a range of privacy options, market hall-style food areas, elegant Swiss-made furniture and clear SWISS design lines.

Star Alliance customers travelling from Rome can look forward to a new premium lounge experience at Fiumicino Airport. The new Star Alliance Lounge has begun welcoming eligible First and Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold Card holders as of 29 June 2018.

Initially operating on a thrice weekly basis, Air Canada’s third gateway into Australia will be upgauged to four times weekly in November.