As the national carrier makes progress on the operational front, Air New Zealand is gaining momentum, making multiple announcements in the last 24 hours.
Last night, at the launch of NZ’s new Christchurch-Singapore services, ceo Nikhil Ravishankar announced the carrier’s plans to move to year-round services on the route—as well as hopes to commence a new non-stop service between CHC and Bali from next winter. “For South Islanders it’s another opportunity to fly direct from [CHC] rather than connecting through Auckland or Australia,” he told those at the event.
He says the carrier is being deliberate about how it grows, and that its partnership with Christchurch Airport is helping NZ ‘build a stronger international network that will deliver benefits for the region over the long term’.
The announcements are part of NZ’s international expansion from CHC, with new seasonal non-stop services to Tokyo Narita and Perth also set to begin in Nov. “There’s re al momentum building in Christchurch, and we’re proud to be playing our part in the South Island’s growth,” says Ravishankar. NZ has recently added Hamilton and Rarotonga, with seasonal Adelaide flights returning, and services to Tokyo and Perth are planned.
He also added that the opportunity between the South Island and the US is ‘immense’.
. . . To Bali
The new CHC-DPS seasonal service is expected to operate three times a week through to the end of Aug.
“We know how much Kiwis love Bali,” he told those at the event. “… Make sure you book your tickets, We need those planes full especially with this fuel price Make sure you book three tickets,” he quipped.
The flights are subject to regulatory and airport approvals, with sales expected to open later this year.
. . . New 787 Enroute
This evening NZ’s ‘world first’ 787-9 featuring increased Maximum Take-off Weight (iMTOW) will land at Auckland, designed for ultra long-haul travel. As well as making aviation history again, the carrier says the new aircraft (ZK-NZT, above) will give NZ greater flexibility to carry customers, baggage and cargo across its international network—particularly its Auckland-New York route. A second 787-9 (ZK-NZS), will follow in a few days.
Both aircraft feature NZ’s new Business Premier Luxe (below), Business Premier, premium economy and economy seats.
“There’s something really special about welcoming a brand-new aircraft into the fleet, particularly one that’s been years in the making to design, test and refine with our customers, says NZ’s chief customer and digital officer, Jeremy O’Brien.
. . . Skynest Delayed
NZ says its ‘world-first’ Economy Skynest will be installed after the peak summer travel period, allowing the new 787-9 to enter service straight away.
