Air New Zealand boosts international flying for 2027

The additional flying is part of the airline's targeted growth strategy, making the most of its new aircraft to grow in markets where demand is strongest, while strengthening the connections that support New Zealand's tourism, trade and economy.

The airline is increasing flights between Auckland and popular destinations including Vancouver, Shanghai, Taipei and Papeete, while introducing daily Dreamliner services to Houston.

Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, Scott Wilkinson, says the additional flying reflects a deliberate approach to growing the airline's international network, with customer demand at the heart of its decisions.

"Whether it's Kiwi escaping winter for some sunshine, families reconnecting across the globe, or international visitors coming to experience everything New Zealand has to offer over our popular winter period, we want to make those journeys easier.

"We're being deliberate about where we grow, adding flights to destinations our customers want to visit and strengthening the connections that matter most to New Zealand."

The growth is supported by the arrival of two new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners last month, with a further two aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2027.

All four aircraft will feature Air New Zealand's new cabin experience, including an expanded premium offering with more Business Premier and Premium Economy seats, giving customers more choice in how they travel.

"These new aircraft are a significant investment in our customers and our future. They're enabling us to grow our international network, offer more flights and bring our latest onboard experience to more customers.

"Every additional international flight also creates opportunities for New Zealand. More seats mean more visitors supporting our tourism industry, more connections for Kiwi businesses and exporters, and more opportunities to bring people and products to and from our shores," says Scott Wilkinson.

Air New Zealand's Northern Summer 2027 schedule (28 March – 23 October) includes:

• Vancouver-Auckland: Increasing from seven to nine flights per week during the peak July travel period, with 8% more capacity across the season compared to the same time last year.
• Shanghai-Auckland: Increasing to daily services during April, July and September/October, representing 9% capacity growth over last season.
• Taipei-Auckland: Increasing to five flights per week from late September, with around 25% more capacity in October and 5% growth across the season.
• Papeete (Tahiti) – Auckland: Increasing to up to five flights per week during the Pacific Games in July and August. The additional daytime service will give customers another option for travelling to French Polynesia.
• Houston - Auckland: Increasing frequency from five Boeing 777 services per week to daily flights from September operated by new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
• Singapore-Christchurch: The new Christchurch to Singapore route will continue year-round.

Christchurch–Singapore year round - flights on sale now

The expanded schedule builds on the airline's recently announced international network growth from Christchurch, including its year-round Singapore flights and plans to increase flying to Perth.

South Islanders can connect year-round to Singapore with flights for the service on sale now. The year-round service will continue to operate three times a week.

Wilkinson says the extended service is another example of the airline responding to customer demand while growing its international network from the South Island.

"We're giving South Islanders more ways to explore the world, while making it easier for international visitors to discover the South Island."

Flights are available to book at airnewzealand.co.nz.