Air New Zealand News

Air New Zealand secures seven charter flights from Japan
Air New Zealand is again operating its popular charter programme from Japan to New Zealand this summer as it continues to stimulate passenger growth from this important tourism market.

Air New Zealand launches Airpoints membership card
Air New Zealand is launching a new Airpoints membership card loaded with smart new features intended to transform its popular loyalty card into the ultimate travel companion.

Air New Zealand plans for new service between Mt Cook/Christchurch/Queenstown
Mt Cook is set to become the 28th domestic destination on Air New Zealand’s network with the airline announcing today the trial of a new Christchurch/Mt Cook/Queenstown route in the summer of 2012-2013.

Air New Zealand boosts regional flight, gains Dreamliner compensation
Air New Zealand has ordered seven new-generation ATR72-600 aircraft with purchase options for a further five worth a total list price of US$270 million. At the same time, the national carrier has confirmed it will receive compensation from aircraft manufacturer Boeing following the delayed delivery of the Dreamliner.

Natural disasters drag down profits at Air New Zealand
National flag-carrier Air New Zealand saw profits slump by nearly half in 2011 as a series of natural disasters took a toll. Overall, the carrier reported a 45 per cent slump in annual earnings, as earthquakes in Christchurch and Japan saw passengers numbers fall.

Virgin Australia moves in to Tiger Airways’ space
In the cut throat world of aviation airlines rarely miss an opportunity to take advantage of a competitor’s misfortune, with Virgin Australia quick to maximise its advantage from the grounding of Tiger Airways. Also today, Air New Zealand confirmed tickets for its codeshare trans-Tasman alliance with Virgin Australia had gone live.

The US Department of Justice ceases cargo cartel investigation against Air New Zealand
After five years of Air New Zealand defending its position and insisting it has done nothing wrong, US Department of Justice Federal Prosecutors have confirmed by letter that they have ended their investigation and Air New Zealand “is no longer a subject or target of the ongoing grand jury investigation”.

Disaster narrowly averted following Air New Zealand bird strike
An Air New Zealand passenger plane has been forced to make an emergency landing in Auckland following a bird strike on its engine. Some 210 passengers were on board the aircraft during the incident, which saw the left-hand engine of the Boeing 767 burst into flames during the descent.

Air New Zealand links up with Diffusion
Air New Zealand has appointed integrated consultancy Diffusion to develop an integrated communication campaign across mainstream media and drive social media strategy. Last year Air New Zealand was recognised by the World Travel Awards as Australasia’s Leading Airline.

Air New Zealand adds to its China and Japan routes
Air New Zealand will be increasing its international capacity to China and Japan for its upcoming Northern Winter schedule.

Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia announce new-look joint network
Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia Airlines have today announced plans for their new-look joint trans-Tasman network, a key part of their new alliance.

Air New Zealand teams us with Eithad Airways
Air New Zealand, has received government approval for its code share agreement with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and winner of “World’s Leading Airline” at 2010 World Travel Awards.