Published on
December 4, 2025
In a move set to shake up frequent flyer programs in 2025, Air New Zealand and Malaysia Airlines are introducing significant updates to their loyalty offerings, aiming to enhance the travel experience for their most loyal customers. Air New Zealand is launching its Koru Black tier within its revamped Airpoints program, while Malaysia Airlines has increased the Elite Points requirements for its Enrich program. These changes reflect a broader trend in the airline industry towards rewarding high-spending and frequent flyers with exclusive benefits.
Both airlines aim to cater to the growing demand for enhanced travel experiences by elevating their loyalty programs. While Air New Zealand’s focus is on creating a more personalized and premium service, Malaysia Airlines is making it more challenging to reach elite status, rewarding those who fly premium classes more often. Here’s what you need to know about the new developments.
Air New Zealand: Koru Black – The New Top-Tier for Premium Travelers
Starting in April 2026, Air New Zealand will undergo a major transformation in its Airpoints program, rebranding it as Koru. The most significant change is the introduction of a new top-tier level—Koru Black. This exclusive membership is set to rival other top-tier airline loyalty programs, such as Qantas Platinum One and Singapore Airlines’ Solitaire PPS Club. To qualify for Koru Black, passengers will need to earn 3,200 Status Points, with at least 1,920 points (60%) coming from eligible flights on Air New Zealand and its closest partners.
The Koru Black benefits are extensive, offering perks such as:
- Access to the Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland Airport.
- Eight valet parking vouchers annually.
- Three “recognition upgrades” for international-grade Business Premier cabins.
- Two short-haul upgrades.
- The ability to gift elite status to up to three adults, including two Koru Black memberships.
These perks elevate the Koru Black experience, making it one of the most luxurious frequent flyer programs available, providing significant value for Air New Zealand’s most loyal passengers.
Additionally, the Koru Platinum level has been introduced as a clear progression from the previous Elite tier, offering enhanced benefits like Koru Premium Lounge access. This restructuring aims to make the rewards system more transparent and rewarding for frequent flyers, without increasing the requirements for current Elite members.
Malaysia Airlines: Increased Requirements and New Benefits for Enrich Members
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines is making significant changes to its Enrich program. Starting in 2027, passengers will need to earn more Elite Points to reach or maintain their Silver, Gold, or Platinum status. The Silver tier now requires 35 Elite Points, up from the previous 30. Gold status will require 70 Elite Points, while Platinum will jump from 100 to 140 points. These changes will take effect for 2027 tier qualification, based on flights taken in 2026.
To soften the blow, Malaysia Airlines is introducing several new features:
- Increased Elite Points for premium flights: Business class flights from Kuala Lumpur to Europe or Australia will earn 50% more Elite Points, while economy class will receive a 25% increase.
- Upgrade rewards: If passengers are upgraded from economy to business class (even through a bid), they will now earn Elite Points for the upgraded cabin.
- More Enrich Points: From 2026, Enrich Silver members will receive 10% more Enrich Points on paid flights.
While the higher Elite Points requirements could make it more difficult to maintain status, the increased Elite Points for premium fares and upgrades could make reaching higher tiers more achievable for those who often fly in business class.
Impact on Business Travelers and Frequent Flyers
For business travelers, both Air New Zealand’s Koru Black and Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich adjustments are aimed at rewarding frequent and high-spending flyers. With Air New Zealand’s Koru Black offering exclusive lounge access, valet parking, and recognition upgrades, business travelers can enjoy enhanced services that elevate their travel experience. Similarly, the added benefits for premium cabins in Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich program will appeal to business travelers who often fly long-haul routes.
For leisure travelers, the changes could represent either a challenge or an opportunity. While the higher Elite Points thresholds for Malaysia Airlines’ Platinum status may make it more difficult to achieve, the increased rewards for premium cabins could make the program more attractive for those willing to invest in business or first-class flights. Air New Zealand’s new loyalty system offers more exclusivity and benefits for high-spending travelers, making it ideal for those who frequently fly with the airline.
Quick Tips for Travelers
- Plan Your Flights: With the increase in Elite Points requirements for Malaysia Airlines, now is the time to plan premium flights to take advantage of the additional points on long-haul routes.
- Review Your Status: If you’re an Air New Zealand Elite member, ensure you understand the new Koru Platinum and Black levels to maximize your benefits before the changes take effect in 2026.
- Use Your Upgrades: Both airlines now offer ways to gain more rewards with upgrades, so if you’re eligible for a paid upgrade, take advantage of the opportunity to earn more points.
- Track Changes: Stay updated on the latest loyalty program adjustments through the airlines’ official websites to ensure you don’t miss out on any perks or benefits.
Final Thoughts
The updates to Air New Zealand’s Airpoints and Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich programs signal a shift towards rewarding frequent flyers with higher spending power. Air New Zealand’s Koru Black and Malaysia Airlines’ higher status requirements are designed to create more exclusive, rewarding experiences for loyal passengers. As both airlines continue to evolve their frequent flyer offerings, travelers will need to adapt to these changes and plan their future travels accordingly to ensure they’re making the most of their loyalty benefits.
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