With the introduction of Airpoints™ earning on all Domestic and Tasman Pacific Smart Saver fares last month, we've seen a significant increase in the number of members earning Airpoints Dollars™. Members are also benefiting from being able to earn Airpoints Dollars when flying domestically in Australia with Virgin Australia.

We've also seen a significant number of Airpoints Dollars purchased through our new OneSmart product. OneSmart allows you to buy Airpoints Dollars (with no minimum purchase) at $1NZD for 1 Airpoints Dollar, and a significant number of members have topped up their balance to buy a flight already.

More than 100,000 members have activated their OneSmart Account in the first month. We've received an overwhelmingly positive response from members who have used the card in New Zealand and overseas – members particularly appreciate the ability to obtain commission-free foreign currency and not be charged by Air New Zealand for taking cash out of overseas ATMs.

On the ground, members are also earning Airpoints Dollars in a number of ways. More than a quarter of our New Zealand members are earning through their direct-earn Airpoints credit cards and a greater number are earning Airpoints Dollars by shopping at Fly Buys Partners. It's simple to do – just scan your new Airpoints card at the check out at Fly Buys Partners.

Looking ahead, we will be introducing a range of initiatives to enhance your Airpoints earning even further. This includes the ability to earn Airpoints Dollars as a family or group of friends – pooling together your balances and your ability to spend Airpoints Dollars.

Being able to use your Airpoints Dollars just like cash and buy any seat, at any time, on the Air New Zealand network continues to make our programme transparent and easy to use. The introduction of the Airpoints Store last year also allows members to buy non-flight products such as cameras and jewellery. You can view the store at www.airpointsstore.co.nz

This is my last week as Head of Loyalty and with Air New Zealand before I head off to a new challenge in the banking sector. I've been very privileged to work with a dedicated and customer-driven team of people who have helped grow the Airpoints programme by more than 250,000 new members over the past two years.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and feedback. Many of the initiatives we've introduced or changes we've made have stemmed directly from your ideas and suggestions. I appreciate the passion and support you have for Air New Zealand and I truly believe our ability to listen to feedback and not be constrained by rules separates us from our competitors.

My colleague David Mackrell will take over the running of the Airpoints programme. David has held many senior finance and commercial roles during his twenty years with the airline and brings a wealth of both airline and customer experience to the role.

You can contact David on [email protected]

Best wishes,



Simon Pomeroy
Head of Loyalty
Air New Zealand