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Air New Zealand encourages the dreamers as it launches Dream Seats
Air New Zealand supports the passion, drive, and ambition of New Zealanders with the launch of Dream Seats, a nationwide search designed to help Kiwi take the next step toward their dream. Launched on Tuesday, 8th July, Dream Seats kicks off with an initial commitment of giving over 100 New Zealanders the opportunity to move closer to achieving their dreams, by giving them flights to support their journey. Within Aotearoa or around the world, Air New Zealand aims to bring big ambitions closer to reality. Beyond dreams Airline CEO Greg Foran says dreaming big is part of Kiwi DNA and the airline wants to help some of these dreams take off. Foran pointed out that Air New Zealand has always believed in the potential of New Zealanders to make a positive impact both at home and overseas. Dream Seats is an extension of that belief, a way for the airline to support those who are already striving and just need that extra lift to take their dream further. Foran said: “Whether it’s sport, business, science or the arts, Aotearoa is full of remarkable people doing incredible things. We’re proud to play a small part in helping more of them go further. This is not a one-off campaign, it’s part of our enduring commitment to champion Kiwi success, here at home and on the global stage.” Who’s who To help bring those dreams to life, high-profile Kiwi have joined the search including: Ryan Fox, NZ golfing legend and two-time PGA Tour winner Dame Valerie Adams, two-time Olympic gold medallist Shaun Johnson, professional rugby league player and podcast host Josh Emett, chef, and entrepreneur Simran Kaur, financial educator, and podcast host Tom Sainsbury, comedian, writer, and performer Each ambassador will personally award two Dream Seats to standout applicants and provide mentoring to support their journey forward. Air New Zealand is also proud to have the support of NBA star Steven Adams, whose impact on and off the court continues to inspire New Zealanders to dream big. Foran added: “This isn’t about granting wishes. It’s about backing New Zealanders who are already doing the hard work and helping them take the next step, not just in their journey, but in their lives.” Air New Zealand is encouraging Kiwi from Cape Rēinga to Bluff to put themselves forward, because every great journey starts with a single step, and this could be yours.
Air New Zealand boosts long-haul travel for summer in the southern hemisphere
Air New Zealand is turning up the volume on long haul travel from October 2025 to March 2026, with more choice and comfort on key international routes. Customers travelling to North America will have access to more than 34,000 additional seats, alongside a boost of 20,500 premium seats across the wider long haul network. The airline is also bringing up to seven newly retrofitted 787 Dreamliners into service by the end of the year, offering a completely refreshed inflight experience from nose to tail. Overall, the airline will operate eight percent more seats to the United States and Canada compared to the previous year, including a 15 percent increase in premium seating. With premium demand continuing to rise, Air New Zealand is delivering, with an additional 4,300 premium seats on Asia services alone. Catering to a strong demand for international air travel Air New Zealand’s chief commercial officer Jeremy O'Brien remarked that New Zealanders' desire for travel is strong, and international visitor demand continues to grow. O’Brien said: “We’re seeing strong demand, including growing popularity of our premium cabins. Customers want a more comfortable and seamless experience, and we are responding by increasing premium availability and growing flight frequencies across our long haul network.” He added that more of the airline’s retrofitted 787 aircraft will enter service, bringing a refreshed experience to destinations such as San Francisco, Honolulu, Vancouver, and Shanghai. He concluded with: "With strong summer demand on the horizon, we are pleased to be offering even more options to our customers, whether they are travelling for business, leisure, or reconnecting with friends and whānau.” More flights for those heading to North America Customers heading to the United States and Canada later this year will spot additional flights added to key routes and more opportunities to book in premium cabins: Auckland to Los Angeles will see 11 to 12 flights per week between December and March, adding nearly 24,000 more seats than the same period last year, including an additional 6,800 premium seats. Auckland to Houston returns stronger this summer, with Air New Zealand adding 4,500 seats between January and March. Auckland to Vancouver maintains up to seven services per week with the larger 777 added to the schedule over the December to early February peak, just in time for the Canadian snow season. Premium seating will increase by 25 percent, including a 30 percent increase in Premium Economy and an 18 percent increase in Business Premier. Auckland to San Francisco will see 1,800 additional seats and 2,700 more premium seats, as daily services continue into mid-February and March frequencies rise from five to six flights per week. Increasing capacity in Asia Customers flying to and from Asia will benefit from increased availability and schedule refinements this summer, resulting in more premium seats to key destinations: Auckland to Taipei expands from three to four flights per week between December and February, adding 11,800 seats, timed to serve both the Christmas peak and Chinese New Year travel. Auckland to Bali sees a 49 percent increase in premium seats, an additional 2,400 premium seats on the route. Auckland to Hong Kong will see a 28 percent rise in premium seats as the airline adds 3,700 Business Premier and Premium Economy seats on the route. Auckland to Shanghai will see 35 percent more premium seats compared to the same period last year.
Air New Zealand to augment fleet with two new A321 aircraft
Air New Zealand is preparing for the imminent arrival of its two newest Airbus A321neo aircraft, with the first aircraft expected to touch down on Kiwi soil tomorrow. Each aircraft will complete a 19,342 kilometre journey to Auckland from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, with stopovers in Muscat, Kuala Lumpur, and Cairns. The A321neo is configured for flying to Australia and the Pacific islands, seats 214 passengers, and represents the latest innovation in narrowbody jet technology, offering improved efficiency and additional capacity to Air New Zealand’s fleet. This news comes in the wake of ANZ’s newly retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliners taking to the skies, and the recent announcement of a new jet service connecting Hamilton and Christchurch. These developments are all part of the airline’s ongoing investment in its network. A new craft takes to the skies The first A321neo arrival, ZK-NNH, is due to enter service in the coming weeks. By the time the second aircraft flies in a couple of months from now, these two new additions will be contributing an additional 70,000 seats per year to the airline’s global network. ANZ’s chief commercial officer Jeremy O’Brien pointed out how the arrival of the new aircraft signals continued momentum for the airline. O’Brien said: “These new A321neo are a clear sign we’re investing for the future: boosting our international network and delivering more choice for customers. It’s about doing what we do best: connecting Kiwi to the world and bringing visitors to our shores. We’re eagerly anticipating getting these aircraft in the skies. We can’t wait to share more soon about where they will be flying. Watch this airspace.” An elegant new addition Plane spotters and aviation fans can expect a sleek new silhouette on the tarmac, and should keep their eyes on the skies for its arrival at 6.45pm local time tomorrow, 4th June. The second aircraft is due to arrive in Aotearoa towards the end of this month. These A321neo join Air New Zealand’s growing narrowbody fleet, which means with these additions, there are nine internationally configured A321neo in the fleet.
Air New Zealand’s David Morgan appointed to the New Zealand Order of Merit
Air New Zealand announced that Captain David Morgan was appointed an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. Morgan held the positions of chief flight operations and safety officer as well as chief pilot for 40 years, having joined ANZ in May 1985. This prestigious honour recognises his extraordinary contributions to aviation safety, leadership, and mentoring in both New Zealand and the global aviation stage throughout his storied career. A pillar of the industry Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran remarked that Morgan’s influence is deeply embedded into the airline’s DNA. Foran said: “When people think of Air New Zealand, many will think of Captain David Morgan. His leadership has helped define who we are today: an airline built on safety, professionalism, and a strong purpose. David has played an extraordinary role shaping a culture of safety, integrity, and professionalism at Air New Zealand that has seen us repeatedly recognised as the world’s safest airline. We’re incredibly proud of David and thrilled to see his remarkable contribution honoured in this way." ANZ chair Dame Therese Walsh added that Morgan’s service has been nothing short of exceptional. She said: “His influence spans every corner of aviation from safety and sustainability to mentoring the next generation of leaders. He has represented the airline and New Zealand on the global stage countless times and has also worked tirelessly in New Zealand to support young people coming into the industry. This honour not only reflects not just his deep expertise, but also the generosity with which he gives his time to others. On behalf of the Board, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to David for his ongoing service to the airline.” A legend in global aviation Captain Morgan began his journey with Air New Zealand in 1985, becoming its chief pilot in 2003. In 2005, he joined the airline’s executive board where he remained until earlier this year when he stepped down from his role. At present, he is poised to begin flying ANZ’s Airbus 320 fleet. Internationally, David’s tenure as chair of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Operations Advisory Council, along with contributions to ICAO, have elevated Air New Zealand’s standing on the world stage.
TCS partners with Air New Zealand
Greg Foran, Chief Executive Officer, Air New Zealand and K. Krithivasan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TCS 2. Image Courtesy: Air New Zealand This collaboration aims to enhance Air New Zealand’s digital capabilities, improve customer experience, and drive operational efficiencies across various aspects of its business Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has signed a five-year partnership with Air New Zealand to modernize the airline’s digital infrastructure and position it at the forefront of AI-driven innovation. This collaboration aims to enhance Air New Zealand’s digital capabilities, improve customer experience, and drive operational efficiencies across various aspects of its business, including fleet management, crew scheduling, and ground services. Announced at a formal signing event at TCS’ Banyan Park Campus in Mumbai, the agreement supports Air New Zealand’s vision to become the world’s most digitally advanced airline. The event was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Tata Group Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran, and TCS Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director K. Krithivasan. This partnership strengthens TCS’ commitment to New Zealand, where it has been a trusted partner for digital transformation for over 37 years, driving innovation across industries. With an office in Auckland and a team of 460 professionals, TCS serves 20+ blue-chip customers in the region across banking, retail, construction, manufacturing, and local government. Through the TCS Co-Innovation NetworkTM (COIN™), the organization works closely with top universities in New Zealand to advance research in cybersecurity, sustainability, and AI. TCS also led the development of the Asia Pacific Digital Sustainability Index in 2022, shaping the region’s approach to sustainable digital transformation. Beyond business, TCS is committed to fostering digital talent in New Zealand. Its flagship STEM empowerment programs, goITTM and goITTM Girls in the region are inspiring students to pursue careers in technology and innovation. Greg Foran, Chief Executive Officer, Air New Zealand, said: “Leveraging TCS’ expertise in cutting-edge technologies will help us enhance the customer experience, streamline operations, and reinforce our commitment to cybersecurity and data protection. This collaboration aligns with our vision to be a digitally enabled airline of the future. We began working with TCS in September 2024 and in just a few short months, we’ve seen the benefits of tapping into the depth and breadth of talent and expertise they have when it comes to digital solutions. Going forward, TCS will be an instrumental partner in helping us deliver our Cargo Digital Transformation and improvements to our Digital Retail capability. We’re excited about the benefits this partnership will bring for our customers and the aviation industry.” Krithivasan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TCS, said: “We are excited to partner with Air New Zealand in its journey to become a digitally advanced airline. With our expertise in aviation, combined with our ability to drive large-scale innovation, TCS will enable Air New Zealand to set new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and customer engagement. By leveraging AI, automation, and cloud technologies, we aim to reimagine operations, enhance passenger experiences, and build a more agile and resilient airline. This partnership reflects our commitment to helping global enterprises adapt, grow, and unlock new opportunities through technology." Air New Zealand operates a global network offering air passenger and cargo services across 49 domestic and international destinations. Each year, the airline flies more than 15 million passengers on over 3,400 weekly flights. This transformation marks a significant step in Air New Zealand’s commitment to secure, innovative, and technology-driven experiences for travelers worldwide. TCS will streamline Air New Zealand’s digital services across a diverse landscape of more than 600 applications, by integrating AI-driven automation and cloud technologies into critical airline functions. This will drive innovation across cargo service, disruption management, retail offerings, maintenance systems and crew operations. Workforce transformation will also be a key focus of this engagement, with TCS leading large-scale upskilling programs to strengthen digital capabilities across Air New Zealand’s teams in AI, cybersecurity, and digital engineering. The collaboration also includes enhancements to Air New Zealand’s digital retail and loyalty program experiences. With three decades of leadership in aviation, TCS partners with the world’s leading airlines, offering consulting-led approaches, cognitive-powered portfolio of business, and technology and engineering services. TCS leverages industry-specific solutions, like TCS Aviana™, a unified, autonomous, digital, cloud-ready platform for intelligent airline operations. Its contextual understanding of airline operations, coupled with its AI-led technology capabilities, will help Air New Zealand unlock new growth opportunities and drive innovation across its entire business ecosystem.
Air New Zealand codeshares with Air India
Star Alliance Partners Air New Zealand and Air India today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the objective of boosting air connectivity between India and New Zealand. The MoU was signed at an event in Mumbai in the presence of Honourable Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr Christopher Luxon, and other dignitaries. The MoU includes the establishment of a new codeshare partnership on 16 routes between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, conferring travellers more choice and convenient access between the two countries. Customers will now be able to travel from the Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai on Air India, and connect at Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore onto Air New Zealand-operated flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. Besides improving customers’ ease of booking and travel, the codeshare aims to increase visibility of the respective markets as tourism destinations. The MoU will also see Air New Zealand and Air India explore the introduction of a direct service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, subject to new aircraft deliveries and approvals from relevant government regulators. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran emphasised the strategic significance of India as a future destination, highlighting its rapidly expanding tourism market and increasing travel demand.“India represents a key growth market for Air New Zealand, and we are excited about the opportunity to enhance connectivity for travellers between our two countries. This codeshare agreement is an important first step, offering more options for customers while we work to understand what a direct service could look like. “Today’s event underscores the significance of the India market to New Zealand, not only for tourism but also for strengthening business and education ties. We are committed to working collaboratively to grow the travel market over the coming years, ensuring a strong foundation for a successful direct service by 2028,” said Foran. Campbell Wilson, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Air India, said: “As part of Air India’s ongoing transformation, we have been expanding our global network using our own aircraft as well as through new or expanded codeshare agreements with other airlines, chiefly our Star Alliance partners. We are delighted to be deepening our relationship with Air New Zealand, which follows the recent expansion of our codeshare partnerships with Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. This partnership will not only strengthen our presence and simplify customer journeys, but also help us develop traffic so that, in time to come, we may viably operate a non-stop service between India and New Zealand, which we and Air New Zealand have committed to explore together with the respective authorities.” With India emerging as a growing tourism and business hub, this partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to delivering enhanced travel experiences while supporting trade, tourism, and economic growth. Currently, Air New Zealand customers travelling between New Zealand and India benefit from strong connectivity options via Singapore Airlines, offering a smooth transit through Singapore. The prospect of a future direct route would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, providing more efficient and accessible travel opportunities. The MoU also outlines Tourism New Zealand’s commitment to growing inbound tourism from the Indian market. Tourism New Zealand’s research shows that 18 million people in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai are actively considering traveling to New Zealand, making it a key emerging market. More than 80,000 international travellers arrived from India last year, 23% more than in 2019. The long-term growth potential is significant, with India ear-marked as one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets. Indian travellers are keen to explore New Zealand’s vibrant landscapes, film sets and rich cultural opportunities. Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Rene de Monchy said: “It's fantastic to see Air New Zealand and Air India working on stronger international connectivity between the two countries. We know improved aviation links have a crucial role to play in the growth of international tourism and will make it easier for Indian travellers to come and enjoy a holiday in New Zealand. “An added bonus is that travellers from India also have a strong tendency to visit New Zealand in the off-peak months that coincide with their major holiday periods." The codeshare flights will be available for booking progressively, subject to due regulatory approvals.
Air New Zealand’s Greg Foran to step down
Air New Zealand announced that its chief executive Greg Foran will be stepping down after five years at its helm, though he will be staying on until October. The announcement was made today, 6th March, in the wake of Air New Zealand’s ongoing struggles over global supply chain disruptions, as well as issues regarding engine maintenance. Airline chair Dame Therese Walsh expressed gratitude for Foran’s leadership especially through a slew of challenging times. Walsh said: "While these challenges impact our operations almost daily, Greg's relentless focus and global profile have been instrumental in mitigating the consequential disruptions on our customers.” Air New Zealand has not, as yet, named a successor for Foran, though it has initiated a global search for its next CEO. Leadership in demanding times Foran led the Kiwi flag-carrier throughout some of the most turbulent times in its history. In recent years, the airline faced numerous challenges unique to New Zealand, mostly due to its location on the globe. The outgoing chief executive joined the airline just as a global pandemic came into play, and his tenure was marked by equipment shortages, as well as the grounding of a significant number of aircraft. Foran has also steered the company through greater regional competition from the likes of Qantas and Virgin Australia, and was the one who ordered the retrofit for Air New Zealand’s Dreamliners; the latter is set for completion later this year.
AAPA welcomes Air New Zealand as member
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) announced that Air New Zealand has joined AAPA with immediate effect. “We are delighted that Air New Zealand is joining AAPA. Air New Zealand’s important role in connecting New Zealand to the world and its strong international outlook will reinforce the collective advocacy of airlines in the Asia Pacific region in areas such as sustainability, supply chain recovery and smooth cross border travel,” said Subhas Menon, Director General of AAPA. Greg Foran, the Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand, said, “Aviation is a complex and evolving industry, with airlines around the world navigating similar challenges and opportunities in the coming decades. Joining the AAPA will ensure we can share learnings with our regional counterparts, to ensure a thriving Asia Pacific aviation industry into the future.”
Air New Zealand: “2024 was a busy year for us”
Air New Zealand reports that 2024 proved to be yet another monumental year, hitting numerous milestones as it gears up to celebrate its 85th anniversary. Airline CEO Greg Foran expressed gratitude to everyone who travelled with Air New Zealand in 2024 whilst acknowledging the hard work and dedication of his team both on the ground and in the air. Foran said: “Our Air New Zealanders’ professionalism and grit kept the airline moving, even while navigating significant challenges such as ongoing engine availability issues.” He also pointed out that, despite such issues, the airline hit several major milestones in 2024, including its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner state-of-the-art interior retrofitting in Singapore. A year of significant achievements In 2024, the airline's 23rd safety video Every Point Counts featuring Kiwi basketball star Steven Adams was released and became an instant hit, amassing 30.4 million views globally. At the same time, Airpoints membership soared in 2024, with 414,000 new members joining, bringing the total to 4.8 million. Nearly 300,000 items were sold on the Airpoints Store, with the Huski Beer Cooler emerging as the most popular product. With regard to travel trends, Auckland to Sydney was the most popular short-haul route, while Auckland to Singapore topped long-haul travel. Bali continued to dominate as a holiday hotspot, with Air New Zealand expanding its service to a year-round schedule. 2024 also saw the introduction of Live Chat which offered a new way for customers to get in touch, resulting in 265,936 engagements. This was also the year when the Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship received more than 2000 applications for its inaugural intake, with 30 cadets selected to begin their training journey. Another milestone year This year, Air New Zealand prepares to celebrate its 85th birthday which happens this April. For this, Foran says the airline remains deeply committed to connecting New Zealanders with each other and New Zealand to the world. He said: "Here's to building on this legacy and achieving many more milestones in the years ahead."
Air New Zealand’s Journey Towards Electric Aviation Takes Flight
Air New Zealand’s dream of flying its first electric aircraft around Aotearoa is taking a significant step forward. From April 2025, the airline will begin a technical demonstrator programme with a battery-electric aircraft, the ALIA CX300, based in Hamilton and Wellington. A Leap Towards a Greener Future The ALIA CX300 aircraft, manufactured by US partner BETA Technologies, is set to arrive in New Zealand one year before the airline’s commercial cargo services between Wellington and Blenheim begin in 2026. This early arrival will allow Air New Zealand to understand how this cutting-edge technology performs in local conditions, provide crucial pilot and crew training, and share this exciting advancement with New Zealanders. Initially based at Hamilton Airport, the ALIA CX300 will undergo a series of proving flights before expanding to other airports and eventually making its way to Wellington. These flights are designed to replicate the cargo operations planned for 2026 in collaboration with New Zealand Post. Embracing Innovation and Sustainability Kiri Hannifin, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer expressed enthusiasm about this milestone: “We’re thrilled to be moving into the next generation of aviation. This future is one where we can fulfil our purpose to connect New Zealanders but with much lower emissions—something we are deeply committed to expediting as quickly as we can to help meet our 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target. The technology behind this aircraft is incredible, and we’re very proud to be able to bring it to Aotearoa a little earlier to show the country what the future of domestic air travel will look like.” Hannifin highlighted that while the aircraft won’t operate commercially at first, it will provide a valuable opportunity for the airline and the wider New Zealand aviation community to gain insights into this innovative addition to the fleet. Collaborative Efforts and Practical Innovations BETA’s Founder and CEO, Kyle Clark, praised Air New Zealand’s practical, operations-focused approach. “They have learned in, working with us step by step to set solid foundations across every part of the ecosystem to ensure successful entry into service. The Tech Demonstrator and chargers will allow us to collect data and refine the operations so Air New Zealand can hit the ground running with low-cost electric service upon delivery of their first certified aircraft,” said Clark. Air New Zealand has invested in charging facilities to support the operation through its Climate and Nature Fund. 60kW mobile chargers will be based at Hamilton, Wellington, and Blenheim airports, capable of recharging the aircraft in approximately 90 minutes. Conclusion As Air New Zealand takes significant strides towards a sustainable aviation future, the arrival of the ALIA CX300 marks a pivotal moment in the airline’s journey. This initiative underscores the airline’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, setting the stage for a greener future in domestic air travel. Stay tuned for more updates as Air New Zealand brings the future of aviation to Aotearoa’s skies.
Air New Zealand
New Zealand
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