News
Air New Zealand forced to cut capacity for sixth consecutive month
December 3rd 2024
Air New Zealand (Air NZ) reduced capacity by 2.1% year-on-year in October as a result of maintenance requirements, parts shortages and a cabin upgrade program. Read More » The Star Alliance member said the bulk of available seat kilometre (ASK) cuts were on its long-haul network where ASKs were lower by 4.8%. Short-haul ASKs were higher by 1.5% for the 31 days but overall capacity has been lower year-on-year since May, the airline said. “Aircraft availability issues resulting from global engine maintenance delays have seen up to six Airbus neo and up to four 787s out of service in the first half of this financial year,” Air NZ said last month. “Based on current assumptions and recent discussions with engine manufacturers, the airline does not expect these availability issues to ease until early 2026." Passenger numbers declined 1.7%, to 1.3 million, in October and revenue per available seat kilometre (RASK), a measure of demand, slipped by 0.7%. “Some Asian routes benefited from improved yields in the current year,” Air NZ said. “However, North America is still impacted by intense competition compared with the previous comparative period.”
