Air New Zealand has announced it will launch direct flights between Auckland and Buenos Aires, Argentina - the airline’s first ever scheduled service to South America. A Boeing 777-200 aircraft will operate three return services a week on the route all year round. Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon explained the new destination, the airline’s 28th international port, opens up an exciting new world for travellers from both New Zealand and Australia.

Boeing has rolled out of the paint hangar the first 787-9 Dreamliner to be delivered to launch customer Air New Zealand, revealing the carrier’s new-look livery. The airplane, painted in a distinctive black colour scheme, features the iconic official New Zealand Fern Mark.

Air New Zealand has signed a licensing agreement with China Airlines for its Economy Skycouch seat. Under the terms of the agreement, China Airlines will commence the introduction of the Skycouch to its fleet of new 777-300ERs from September this year.

Air New Zealand today announced earnings before taxation of $256 million for the 2013 financial year, an increase of 172 percent on the previous year and the company’s best result in five years.

Air New Zealand and Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) have signed a partnership to work together to grow Chinese visitor numbers to New Zealand. The partnership will focus on targeting new geographic areas in China, promoting year-round travel to New Zealand, especially during the low-season, and positioning Auckland Airport as a main gateway for travel from China to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Air New Zealand passengers can look forward to a better ground experience at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), including a much improved transit process.