News
Air New Zealand to add 15% trans-Tasman capacity
April 13th 2018
Air New Zealand (Air NZ) will launch two trans-Tasman routes from December and add 15% more seat capacity across the Tasman following last week’s announcement that the carrier would exit its trans-Tasman alliance with Virgin Australia from October 27. Read More »
From December 18, the Star Alliance member will fly up to four times a week between Queenstown and Brisbane, which will increase Air NZ’s total international capacity out of the south island resort town by 20%. The Kiwi flag carrier also will operate up to five times a week between New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, and Brisbane, a 15% increase or 20,000 seats.
Christopher Luxon-led Air NZ is adding significant trans-Tasman capacity into and out of Christchurch from October 28. This includes moving to double daily on peak days of the week to Melbourne and Brisbane and double daily Monday to Friday for Sydney. The route upgrades will add about 35,000 seats on trans-Tasman flights from Christchurch.
The Auckland-headquartered airline will also offer 125,000 additional trans-Tasman seats from its hub airport, including a new business-timed morning flight to Melbourne, more evening flights to Brisbane and a new middle of the day flight to Sydney.
Air NZ said customers traveling on Virgin Australia-operated flights after October 27 will be rebooked on Air NZ aircraft. The airline said changing market dynamics across the Tasman made it more effective to part ways with Virgin Australia. Air NZ holds approximately 35% of the trans-Tasman market followed by Qantas Airways (roughly 30%) and Virgin (15%).
