Air New Zealand strengthens regional links with domestic jet service for Hamilton
From 18 September, select services between the two cities will be operated by a 171-seat Airbus A320, marking a major milestone as Air New Zealand brings domestic jet services back to Hamilton for the first time in 25 years.
These flights will operate alongside the airline's ATR 72 turboprop services, maintaining choice for customers throughout the day while adding approximately 25,000 seats a year on the route.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says the introduction of jet services reflects the airline's focus on building connectivity, particularly between the North and South Islands, and supporting growth where there is clearly established demand.
"Hamilton–Christchurch is one of our strongest and fastest-growing regional routes, and the addition of jet services reflects that increasing demand. It offers customers more choice and more seats," Foran says.
"The A320 will provide more seats at key travel times, particularly for business and leisure travellers and those with onward connections, while our ATR aircraft remain a vital part of the schedule, giving customers flexibility across the day.
"Whether customers are travelling for business, events, or to explore the stunning South Island, they'll benefit from the convenience this jet service provides."
Two ATR aircraft replaced by jets on the route will be redeployed across the regional network, adding resilience and supporting capacity into the broader schedule.
Foran says the move represents more than just a new aircraft on a route.
"This marks the second introduction of a jet on a regional route, building on the success of the Invercargill–Auckland jet service launch in 2019. For us, growth is about creating greater access for communities, supporting tourism and trade, and helping New Zealanders thrive. That's a responsibility we carry with pride - and with a clear plan to deliver on."
Waikato Regional Airport Chief Executive Mark Morgan says the return of a domestic jet service is another string to the region's bow.
"This is fantastic news for Waikato, and a real vote of confidence in the strength of Hamilton as a regional hub. We're delighted to work alongside Air New Zealand to introduce a jet service to connect our community to the South Island - it's a great outcome for the wider region."
ENDS
Note to editors:
Please see the proposed schedule (subject to change):
Christchurch to Hamilton: Departs 3pm arrives 4.20pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
Hamilton to Christchurch: Departs 5.05pm arrives 6.25pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
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