Updates
This page features the latest updates, statements, and key information from Air New Zealand. If you have a comment request on a specific topic, please submit a media enquiry here.
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.
Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Twitter: @AirNZMedia
Boeing 787-9 and Skynest delivery update
Update as at 9:00am Friday 23 February 2024.
The below can be attributed to Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty:
The delayed delivery of our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners means our Skynest won't be onboard until the new aircraft arrive in 2025. While we know this is disappointing for our customers, our retrofit programme for our existing Boeing 787 fleet is still on schedule and we're excited to introduce our new cabin experience to customers later this year.
Innovation will be on display throughout our retrofit aircraft from our new Business Premier Luxe suites with a fully closing door and dining space for two, through to our updated Economy cabins with more storage, comfort, and space as well as a 50% larger entertainment screen.
We are still working through details like when our new Business Premier Luxe will go on sale, which routes our retrofit aircraft will first service, and pricing for Business Premier Luxe. We look forward to sharing an update on this later in the year.
Pratt & Whitney engine impacts
- Consolidated flying schedule
- Paused schedule for Hobart and Seoul from April 2024
- External contact centre support to almost double workforce
Air New Zealand now has a clearer understanding of the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engine maintenance schedule changes and the impact it will have on our customers.
In July 2023, Pratt & Whitney disclosed a condition affecting the maintenance plan for the Geared Turbofan (GTF) jet engine fleet. Up to 700 engines globally will be impacted over the next three years, with the effect on global aviation felt most keenly in the coming year.
"Air New Zealand has 17 A320/321NEO aircraft in its fleet of 108 aircraft, serving Australia, the Pacific Islands and domestic New Zealand. While this maintenance issue does not present a safety issue, it has caused Air New Zealand to revise its flight schedule as a result of adjustments made to the engine maintenance plan," says Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran.