Air New Zealand unveiled its financial and operational plans for the near future. In a press release, the Auckland-based carrier said it is making «significant investment» in its fleet to increase capacity and improve the passenger experience.
It also said it will increase investment in communications campaigns to support New Zealand’s tourism industry.
See also: Full flat in Economy Class: Air New Zealand unveils its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin
Air New Zealand unveils future plans
Between March and October 2023, the airline plans to recover its full pre-pandemic level of activity in the domestic market. In addition, it expects to recover 91% in international markets: in the same period, Air New Zealand will offer nearly 4.5 million seats on 39 routes.
Over the next five years the company will invest some 3.5 billion dollars to expand and modernise its fleet, as well as a further 30 million to support various marketing campaigns to promote New Zealand as a tourist destination.
«Our fleet investment, capacity update, and marketing spend represent a significant commitment to New Zealand’s tourism industry», said Greg Foran, the company’s CEO. «By investing in new and retrofitted aircraft, adding more seats to our international routes, and increasing our marketing presence in key markets, we are making it even easier for visitors to tick New Zealand off their bucket lists», he added.
Fleet investment
From the planned investment, Air New Zealand will add eight new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and five Airbus A230neo aircraft. It will also refurbish the interiors of all its 787s currently in operation from 2024.
In addition, the airline announced that it is finalising negotiations to receive its eighth Boeing 777-300ER and thus add an additional 3.000 seats per week on its long-haul routes.
Capacity recovery
The airline noted that its capacity in North America, one of its main markets, is already close to 2019 levels, the last year before the start of the pandemic. It has recently added capacity on flights between New Zealand and Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO) and Vancouver (YVR).
Foran also noted the strong performance of direct flights to and from New York (JFK): «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», he said.
Capacity on routes in Asia is already above pre-crisis levels. On the other hand, demand from China is recovering, especially thanks to the lifting of restrictions in that country. Capacity in Tasmania and the Pacific Islands is also approaching 2019 levels, while the domestic network has almost fully recovered.
Air New Zealand has not yet mentioned plans to resume flights to South America. Before the pandemic, the airline operated between Auckland (AKL) and Buenos Aires-Ezeiza (EZE), its only destination in the region.
In 2022, and following the New Zealand government’s decision to reopen the borders gradually, the airline announced it would bring back 27 international routes throughout the year, but did not mention an eventual return to Argentina’s capital.
See also: Air New Zealand to reactivate 27 international routes in 2022 but still excludes Buenos Aires
