The neo kids on the block: Air New Zealand to welcome two new international A321neo aircraft
Each aircraft will complete a 19,342 kilometre journey to Auckland from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, with stopovers in Muscat, Kuala Lumpur, and Cairns.
The A321neo are configured for flying to Australia and the Pacific islands and seat 214 passengers. The aircraft represents the latest innovation in narrowbody jet technology, offering improved efficiency and additional capacity to Air New Zealand's fleet.
This news comes hot on the heels of the airline's newly retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliners taking to the skies, and follows the announcement of a new jet service connecting Hamilton and Christchurch – all part of the airline's ongoing investment in its network.
The first A321neo arrival, ZK-NNH, is due to enter service in the coming weeks. By the time the second aircraft is flying in a couple of months, the two new additions have the ability to add up to 625,000 seats Air New Zealand network each year.
Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, Jeremy O'Brien, says the arrival of this new aircraft signals continued momentum for the airline.
"These new A321neo are a clear sign we're investing for the future – boosting our international network and delivering more choice for customers. It's about doing what we do best: connecting Kiwi to the world and bringing visitors to our shores.
"We're eagerly anticipating getting these aircraft in the skies. We can't wait to share more soon about where they will be flying. Watch this airspace."
Plane spotters and aviation fans can expect a sleek new silhouette on the tarmac – and should keep their eyes on the skies for its arrival at 6.45pm tomorrow, Wednesday 4 June. The second aircraft is due to arrive in Aotearoa in late June.*
These A321neo join Air New Zealand's growing narrowbody fleet, which means with these additions, there are nine internationally configured A321neo in the fleet.
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