Air NZ adds 8 aircraft as services approach pre-Covid levels

Story, images by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI

Air New Zealand is to spend $3.5 billion on eight new aircraft and retrofitting its existing fleet over the next five years as the aircraft reports a near-return to pre-Covid capacity.

The airline is in final negotiations to secure another Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to help it fly 4.5 million seats across 39 international routes between March and October.

Air NZ Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says their domestic network is back at pre-Covid capacity while its international capacity now stands at 91%.

“Our fleet investment, capacity update, and marketing spend represent a significant commitment to New Zealand’s tourism industry,” he said.

“By investing in new and retrofitted aircraft, adding more seats to our international routes, and increasing our marketing presence in key markets, we’re making it even easier for visitors to tick New Zealand off their bucket lists.”

FLEET INVESTMENT

The investment includes $3.5 billion to buy eight new 787-9 Dreamliners and five Airbus A320neo aircraft for its Tasman and Pacific Island services.

The funding also includes the interior refurbishment of its 14 Boeing 787 aircraft, including a new Business Premier Luxe and refreshed cabins. Work is expected to start next year.

The airline is also in final negotiations to secure another Boeing 777-300ER to add 3000 more seats per week. The airline’s current Boeing 777-300 fleet stands at seven.

“We’re proud to be making this investment in our fleet and in the future of air travel. Investing in new and retrofitted aircraft will help us attract even more premium leisure customers from the Pacific Rim to New Zealand, boosting the growth of our tourism industry,” he said.

Mr Foran described the decision as “a significant investment”.

CAPACITY UPDATE

Air New Zealand’s North America network is close to pre-Covid levels with more seats on its Houston, San Francisco and Vancouver services.

“Our New York route is special, and a valuable and promising market for New Zealand. The route has demonstrated strong demand since its launch in September and presents untapped potential for us to attract high-value customers and showcase the best of what our country has to offer.”

Air NZ’s alliance partner, United, will launch a new San Francisco-Christchurch service and more Los Angeles-Auckland flights.

Air New Zealand’s capacity on its Asia network is at 117 percent of pre-Covid levels, with Singapore a key hub, particularly for connecting to India and Europe.

The airline reported that demand from China is slowly rebuilding and the airline’s alliance partner, Air China, has restarted its Beijing-Auckland route.

On the domestic front, Air New Zealand added 5000 seats a week to Christchurch, connecting the Garden City more often to Hamilton, Napier, and Nelson, and added 6000 seats on regional flights out of Auckland and to main centres.

NZ TOURISM

Air New Zealand is investing $30 million in marketing campaigns this financial year in key markets as it rebuilds its offshore sales and marketing teams

“We know it’s not just about bringing overseas visitors to New Zealand but also giving them plenty of options to explore around Aotearoa New Zealand,” Mr Foran said.

“Our significant capacity increases across our international and domestic network, coupled with our marketing investment, will help to showcase New Zealand to the world and attract more quality visitors to our shores.”