Air New Zealand unveiled plans to introduce two new ATR72-600 turboprop jets and two Airbus A321neo aircraft by late 2024, thereby increasing total seat capacity by 768,000 annually.
Air New Zealand, in response to surging demand for travel, has announced the addition of new aircraft to its fleet, aiming to enhance capacity and provide customers with more options for both domestic and international routes. The airline’s 2023 annual results unveiled plans to introduce two new ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft and two Airbus A321neo aircraft by late 2024, thereby increasing total seat capacity by 768,000 annually. The two new ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft, each with a seating capacity of 68, will focus on the airline’s regional network, particularly serving destinations like Tauranga and Nelson. These additions are set to boost capacity by over 5,700 seats per week, catering to the strong demand across the regional sector.
Furthermore, Air New Zealand’s fleet will include two Airbus A321neo aircraft configured for international flying, accommodating 214 passengers. These aircraft will be deployed on routes to Tasman and Pacific Island destinations, offering more than 9,000 extra seats per week. This capacity expansion will make Air New Zealand the carrier with the most significant capacity across the Tasman, providing travelers with greater choices at competitive prices.
Greg Foran, CEO, Air New Zealand said, “Flying continues to be in high demand, both here and around the world and it means prices have been higher than usual. The most effective thing we can do to help customers is to welcome more aircraft into our fleet and put more seats in the sky. While adding more seats is an important part of working to reduce prices, like all New Zealand businesses our costs continue to rise significantly in many areas, and the reality is that airfares are unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels. Our customers have supported us as we’ve rebuilt Air New Zealand and we know it’s important to offer a range of fares that are accessible to all New Zealanders. Investing in new aircraft means more seats available at more times and at reasonable prices. Domestically we’re almost back to pre-Covid capacity, flying an average of 425 flights per day to 20 destinations across Aotearoa. These new aircraft mean that our domestic airline will be the larger than it’s ever been. We also have two previously announced domestic A321neo aircraft due for delivery in the next 12 months. We’re pulling every lever we have to get more seats in the sky, as quickly and as safely possible.”
The airline’s domestic operations have nearly reached pre-Covid capacity, operating approximately 425 flights daily to 20 destinations within New Zealand. The new aircraft acquisitions signify a major expansion for Air New Zealand’s domestic operations.
The Airbus A321neo aircraft are known for their fuel efficiency, contributing to environmentally conscious operations. The ATR72-600 aircraft will feature the latest engine variant, which offers potential fuel burn improvement of up to 3% compared to the previous generation.
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Air New Zealand is set to reintroduce its Auckland-Perth route on October 29, following a period of partnership with Wamos Air. The airline is also anticipating further growth, with plans for additional aircraft in its fleet, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A321s, and ATR72-600s. Furthermore, the airline will be leasing a Boeing 777-300ER, adding 3,000 seats per week to its international network, expanding its total 777-300 fleet to eight.
