Air New Zealand News
Air New Zealand connects nearly 16 million people across Aotearoa and around the world in 2025
Over the last 12 months, the airline has carried nearly 16 million passengers across its domestic and international network – helping connect New Zealanders with each other and the world and welcoming nearly one million visitors to our shores. Air New Zealand Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin says the airline’s 11,500 team members take great pride and responsibility in the role they play connecting people with one another.
Air New Zealand opens the Lookout Lounge ahead of major Auckland lounge redevelopment
Located on Level 2, closer to the departure gates, The Lookout Lounge will open daily during peak travel times (5:00–10:00am and 3.30–9:15pm), giving customers more room to relax and enjoy the friendly Kiwi service Air New Zealand is known for. The Lookout Lounge will operate alongside the Koru Lounge during the summer holiday season and during the construction of the new lounges at Auckland International Airport. Customers will be welcomed at either lounge depending on availability, with both serving up the same signature Kiwi hospitality, great food and drinks, and that unmistakable Air New Zealand warmth before take-off.
1.7 million Air New Zealand seats up for grabs across the ditch this summer
Between October 2025 and March 2026, the airline will operate 1.7 million seats between New Zealand and Australia cementing its position as the largest trans-Tasman carrier. The airline is adding 130,000 seats as a result of increased flight frequencies and the deployment of more widebody aircraft on key routes. There will also be an uplift in premium seating to meet strong demand from both business and leisure travellers.
Air New Zealand strengthens regional links with domestic jet service for Hamilton
From 18 September, select services between the two cities will be operated by a 171-seat Airbus A320, marking a major milestone as Air New Zealand brings domestic jet services back to Hamilton for the first time in 25 years. These flights will operate alongside the airline’s ATR 72 turboprop services, maintaining choice for customers throughout the day while adding approximately 25,000 seats a year on the route.
Air New Zealand unveils fully redesigned 787-9 Dreamliner
In what is a proud moment in Air New Zealand’s 85-year history, from Wednesday 7 May, customers will be able to book seats on the airline’s highly anticipated all-new cabin experience. This world-first retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner ZK-NZH is in Auckland undergoing final testing before it takes to the skies for the first time on Monday 19 May, flying Auckland to Brisbane. Later that evening, the aircraft will complete its first long haul service from Auckland to San Francisco.
Discover the Future of Air Travel with Air New Zealand’s Newly Retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Air New Zealand has officially welcomed the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from its fleet back to Auckland after undergoing a significant retrofit. The aircraft, ZK-NZH, spent 184 days in Singapore undergoing an extensive transformation that has included new Business Premier Luxe™ seats, redesigned Business Premier, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. This world-first retrofit marks a major milestone in the airline’s 85-year history and is part of Air New Zealand’s ambitious plans to refurbish its entire fleet of 14 Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Air New Zealand unveils new uniform
Air New Zealand is proud to reveal its highly anticipated new uniform. This collection embodies the airline’s profound sense of pride in Aotearoa and strong cultural heritage. The bold print, colour, and exquisite design showcase the very best of Aotearoa to the world.
Air New Zealand seasonal service to Seoul will not return for October 2025
The airline’s final seasonal flight from Incheon (ICN) to Auckland (AKL) will take place on 29 March 2025, marking the conclusion of this route’s seasonal service. Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien acknowledged the disappointment this may cause. “We understand this will be disappointing for some customers, and we sincerely apologise for the impact. Due to the ongoing challenges with engine availability, we have reviewed our network to ensure we are set up to operate our schedule effectively and best deliver for our customers’ needs.”
Air New Zealand’s most popular inflight entertainment revealed
The airline has revealed the most-watched movies and TV shows on its inflight entertainment for 2024, with Jason Statham’s action thriller The Beekeeper securing the top spot. Romantic comedy Anyone But You came in second, but it’s clear customers preferred a fast-paced flick to help the time fly by, with titles like Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and The Fall Guy dominating the list of top movies.
Air New Zealand brings holiday magic to the skies in new Christmas campaign
Nothing says ‘Christmas magic’ like reuniting with whānau and friends from around the world. But at Air New Zealand we know navigating time zones on your way home to Aotearoa means precious holiday days can be lost while in the sky.
Increased Air New Zealand capacity for Japan to encourage inbound tourism
While in Japan this week, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran has shared that the airline will add 30,000 seats to its Tokyo route from November to March, giving Japanese customers more options to book travel to New Zealand.
Air New Zealand unveils new short haul booking options
More choice and greater flexibility: Air New Zealand unveils new short haul booking options The airline has announced changes to its Seats to Suit offering from June, including a new suite of booking options for travelling between New Zealand and the Tasman or Pacific Islands.