Air New Zealand adds 36,000 seats to its domestic winter flying schedule
Between 28 June and 25 October, select services across the three routes will be operated by the larger Airbus A321, adding more than 36,000 seats to the network at a time of strong seasonal demand.
This marks the airline's second move to boost inter-island connectivity in under a week, following the launch of Air New Zealand's new jet service between Hamilton and Christchurch last week. Together, these additions reflect Air New Zealand's continued focus on creating more choice and greater connectivity for customers across Aotearoa.
Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, Jeremy O'Brien says he's thrilled to be able to connect more customers with these additional seats over the busy winter season.
"Whether they're heading back to university, to a special event, or to the slopes this winter, these seats will mean more choice and opportunity to fly and more flexibility to plan travel around the moments that matter.
"This isn't just about adding flights, it's about supporting our regions. We're committed to building connectivity - supporting communities, tourism and trade – so more New Zealanders can thrive. That's a responsibility we carry with pride. Every seat we add is an investment in New Zealand's future.
"We have a plan and some great momentum, so watch this space."
O'Brien adds that the airline is focused on long-term, sustainable growth that benefits the whole country.
"Whether it's getting visitors to Central Otago's ski fields, students to Dunedin's lecture theatres, or whānau home to Christchurch, we're proud to play our part in connecting people and place."
Notes to editors
- 616 upgauges from A320 to A321neo aircraft
- 37 new flights added
- AKL-DUD flights are being upgauged to support key student movement dates and special events, including the All Blacks game in Dunedin on 5 July and Big Sing from 28-30 August.
ENDS
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications
Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Phone: +64 21 747 320
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand's story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It's a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealand's global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 World's Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline's laser-focus on safety.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline's efforts in tackling some of New Zealand's and the world's most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand's loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.
For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com