Air New Zealand Boosts Summer Service and Expands Asian Network

Air New Zealand has announced a strategic enhancement of its flight network for the upcoming summer season, marked by the resumption of services to two major destinations and a strategic increase in flight capacity to meet market demand. Effective from October 2024, the airline is set to reinstate flights to Hobart and Seoul, following a temporary suspension during the winter months in New Zealand. This move reflects the airline’s commitment to reconnecting vital travel links and bolstering its presence in key markets.

Air New Zealand is stepping up its game in the Asian market. From November 2024 to March 2025, we will be deploying our larger 777-300 aircraft on routes to Singapore, Tokyo, and Taipei. This upgrade not only increases the number of seats available but also enhances the proportion of premium seating options, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for our customers.

While we are expanding our services, we have encountered a temporary challenge with the availability of Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines for our 787-9 aircraft. This has led to a pause in our Chicago service, which was initially set to resume in October 2024. We want to assure our customers that this decision was difficult but necessary to maintain the integrity of our network and ensure reliability for your travel plans.

The airline anticipates returning to the Chicago route with the arrival of a new 787 aircraft from Boeing, expected in the latter half of 2025. In the interim, customers affected by the pause will be contacted directly with alternative travel options, and those who booked through travel agents are advised to contact them for itinerary adjustments.

The increased capacity on key Asian routes is a response to the popularity of Air New Zealand’s premium cabins among travellers to destinations like Singapore, Tokyo, and Taipei. The airline is eager to offer more seats in these classes starting in November, allowing customers to experience enhanced comfort and space.

The capacity increases for the November 2024 to March 2025 period are notable:

• Tokyo will see an addition of 30,000 seats, primarily in Business Premier and Premium Economy.
• Singapore will benefit from 20,000 extra seats, with 11,000 in the premium categories.
• Taipei will gain an additional 5,000 seats in Business Premier and Premium Economy.

These changes reflect Air New Zealand’s dedication to connecting New Zealand with the world and its strategic focus on meeting the evolving demands of international travel. The airline’s efforts to expand its reach and elevate the travel experience demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to global connectivity and customer satisfaction.