Air New Zealand the first trans-Tasman carrier to fly to Western Sydney International
Air New Zealand has become the first trans-Tasman airline to sign an agreement with Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), signalling its intent to operate services to the new airport from mid-2027.
The airline's first route will connect Auckland and Western Sydney, opening a new gateway between Aotearoa, New Zealand and one of Australia's fastest-growing regions.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says the airline is pleased to be leading the way in connecting the two countries via the new airport.
"Western Sydney International represents an exciting step forward for aviation in Australia, and we're delighted to be the first trans-Tasman carrier to signal our intent to operate there as we continue to grow".
"It's a great opportunity to grow our network and better serve the rapidly expanding Western Sydney region. This new route reflects our commitment to making travel more convenient for our customers and supporting stronger connections between New Zealand and Australia.
"We're looking forward to offering customers our world-class Air New Zealand service to and from a world-class new airport."
The new route will complement Air New Zealand's existing services into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, adding more choice for the airline's customers.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said Sydney's new and only 24-hour airport is delighted to partner with Air New Zealand and the NSW Government, giving travellers more choice and flexibility and connecting to connect two much-loved destinations.
"I'd like to extend a warm 'Kia ora' to our friends across the Tasman as we welcome Air New Zealand's world-class services to Sydney's new international gateway," he said.
"This new strategic partnership, supported by the Western Sydney International Take-off Fund, will connect one of Australia's most diverse and fastest growing regions – Western Sydney – with New Zealand's largest city and main holiday gateway.
"WSI's innovative terminal facilities and use of next-generation technology will offer Air New Zealand passengers a seamless, intuitive and meaningful airport experience, while our 24-hour capacity will give people more choice on when and how they choose to fly. We can't wait to welcome you."
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper, said, "Western Sydney International Airport is getting ready for take-off. This is the first new route secured through the Minns Labor Government's Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, and a route that I am sure will no doubt be very popular.
"Sydney is the top overseas city of choice for Kiwis, and this new direct connection to Western Sydney will unlock incredible opportunities for local tourism, business and jobs. The economics are very simple, if we want to grow our visitor economy, we need more visitors.
"The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Western Sydney International Airport and Air New Zealand to secure this new route that will boost the Western Sydney economy. I look forward to working with WSI to secure further new routes."
The planned start of services in mid-2027 is subject to aircraft availability* with more details to be confirmed closer to the launch.
This announcement follows the recent launch of our Christchurch–Adelaide route and marks another step in our trans-Tasman growth strategy, with more capacity increases planned as we continue to strengthen our network and better connect New Zealand with Australia.
*Planned services are also subject to relevant regulatory approvals.
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