Air New Zealand is not currently considering a return to South America

Air New Zealand presented its financial and operational plans for the future. In a press release, the Auckland-based company insisted it was making a “significant investment” in its fleet with the aim of increasing its capacity and improving its passenger experience.

It also said it would increase investment in communications campaigns to support New Zealand’s tourism industry.

See also: A bed in economy: Air New Zealand unveils new cabins for its Boeing 787

Air New Zealand’s plans for the future

Between March and October 2023, The airline plans to resume its full range of operations before the pandemic hits the domestic market.. Besides, International markets expect to recover 91%: During the same period, Air New Zealand will offer nearly 4.5 million seats on 39 routes.

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Over the next five years, it will invest about $3,500 million to expand and modernize its fleet, as well as another $30 million to support various campaigns to promote New Zealand as a tourist destination.

“Our fleet investment, capacity development and marketing spend represent a significant commitment to the New Zealand tourism industry,” he said. Greg Foran, the company’s CEO. “By investing in new, modern aircraft, adding more seats to our international routes and increasing our communications presence in key markets, we’re making it easier for visitors to put New Zealand on their wishlist,” he added.

Investment in Navy

From planned investment, Air New Zealand to buy eight new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and five Airbus A230neos. It will refurbish the interiors of all its 787s currently in operation starting in 2024.

Besides, The company announced that it is finalizing negotiations to acquire its eighth Boeing 777-300ER. Add 3,000 additional weekly seats on its long-haul routes.

Capacity recovery

The airline stressed that its capacity in North America, one of its key markets, is already close to 2019 levels, before the pandemic began last year. Recently, it added capacity on flights between New Zealand and Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO) and Vancouver (YVR)..

Foran also highlighted the good results of direct flights to New York (JFK).: “The route has shown strong demand since its launch in September and offers untapped potential to attract high-value customers and showcase the best of what our country has to offer,” he noted.

Route capacity in Asia has already surpassed pre-crisis levels. For his part, China’s demand is increasingEspecially thanks to deregulation in that country. Capacity in Tasmania and the Pacific Islands is approaching 2019 levelswhen The national network has already been fully restored.

Air New Zealand has not yet indicated plans to resume its flights to South America. Before the pandemic, The airline operated between Auckland (AKL) and Buenos Aires-Ezeiza (EZE), its only destination in the region..

Following the New Zealand government’s decision to gradually reopen borders in 2022, The company announced it would resume 27 international routes for the rest of the year, but did not mention an eventual return to the Argentine capital..

See also: Air New Zealand to resume 27 international routes by 2022, but still excludes Buenos Aires