Air NZ boosts Auckland-Perth route

Air NZ will operate a B777-200 on the Auckland-Perth route

Air New Zealand has announced plans to boost capacity on its Auckland-Perth route by more than 20%.

From 3 September, Air New Zealand will replace its 234-seat Boeing 767-300 with a 304-seat Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the route.

The introduction of the B777 adds another 70 seats per flight, as well as introducing flat beds and premium economy seats to the route for the first time.

“Western Australia is the fastest-growing economy in Australia and we’ve seen double-digit growth in visitor arrivals from Perth over the past year, with particularly strong growth over the past quarter,” said Air New Zealand’s Group General Manager for Australasia, Bruce Parton.

“This has prompted us, in conjunction with our alliance partner Virgin Australia, to review our schedule and capacity to better match that strong demand from travellers on both sides of the Tasman. We’re confident the 777 will be a very popular choice for this route and that bookings will continue to grow as a result.”

By Mark Elliott, 10 May 2012, Thursday 11:20 AM