Air New Zealand News
Air New Zealand to offer flat beds in economy
Air New Zealand is to offer flat beds in economy on its new fleet of Boeing 777-300 ER this November. The “Skycouch”, which is aimed at couples and young families, features three standard seats that can be changed into a single, flat space.
Air NZ secures aircraft deal
Air New Zealand is replacing its domestic fleet of Boeing 737-300s with $1bn worth of Airbus A320s. The first plane will be delivered in 2011, with the rest of the fleet gradually replaced by 2015.
Air NZ chief downbeat on recovery
Air New Zealand’s chief executive has predicted that the airline’s yields per passenger would not improve until the end of next year – at the earliest. Rob Fyfe said although passenger demand had recovered slightly – reflected by improved forward bookings – average fares paid per passenger, or yields, remained weak. The carrier’s bookings have grown on a year-on-year basis over the past several months,
Biofuel test suggests major fuel savings
According to one of the key findings from the Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 Rolls-Royce powered test flight last year, up to 1.4 tonnes of fuel can be saved on a twelve-hour long haul flight powered by a 50/50 blend of second generation jatropha sustainable biofuel and traditional Jet A1.
New Zealand authorities launch price fixing action
New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has started legal action against 13 airlines for what it believes is “extensive and long-term cartel activity in the air cargo market”.The authority claims the airlines, including Air New Zealand, Qantas, British Airways and Cathay Pacifichave been colluding to raise cargo charges by imposing fuel surcharges for seven years. If found guilty, the airlines could face similar action, including heavy fines, as already imposed in the United States, Europe and Australia.
Air New Zealand earnings down
Air New Zealand has announced Normalised Earnings before unusual items and taxation of $197 million for the year ended 30 June 2008, a decrease of 24 percent on last year.
ANZ concierge concept takes off
The world’s first concierges in the sky spread their wings this week as 11 London-based recruits graduate Air New Zealand’s training academy and commence their new roles flying the airline’s London to Los Angeles route.
Air NZ offers online seat selection
Air New Zealand domestic passengers will now be able to select their own seats and then check-in over the internet, with the launch of Air New Zealands new service on airnewzealand.co.nz.
Air New Zealand Training Centre Opens
Today, Air New Zealand officially opened its new Training Centre in Mangere at a special function hosted by the airline`s Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Ralph Norris and attended by the Associate Minister of Transport, Hon.Harry Duynhoven.
