Airlines

Auckland Airport has rejected criticism from airlines that increases to its landing charges will significantly impact flights to New Zealand and tourism’s future.

Theo Panagiotoulias has been appointed chief executive of Star Alliance.

Malaysian-based airline Batik Air, formerly known as Malindo Air will launch six direct flights weekly between Auckland and Perth from 24 August 2023.

Asia Pacific carriers are seeing strong international air travel, according to the International Air Transport Association.

The Board of Airline Representatives is advocating for increased jet fuel holdings at multiple ports to ensure reliable and safe fuel supply for airlines.

Long-haul flights between Auckland and North America are set to exceed 2019 levels for the first time since the pandemic, says Auckland Airport.

American Airlines will resume seasonal services between Los Angeles and Auckland over summer.

But they may remain relatively high while airlines grapple with capacity uncertainty, says Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner.

Fiji Airways is ramping up flights between Wellington and Nadi over the peak summer period.

Airlines are being encouraged to lift their game and provide, accurate information about customers’ rights when flights are cancelled or delayed.

AirAsia will resume flights between Auckland and Kuala Lumpur via Sydney from 1 November.

Auckland Airport’s network will include 22 airlines and 37 destinations by December 2022, returning to 72% of 2019 capacity.

The airline will launch its delayed sleeping pods and a new business class suite in 2024.

Qatar Airways is increasing the number of flights on its Adelaide to Auckland service from three to five flights per week from 1 July.

Air Tahiti Nui has resumed flights to and from Auckland, opening up direct connections between Tahiti and New Zealand.

Carriers in Asia Pacific experienced an almost twofold increase in traffic in March 2022, compared to the same month last year, up 197%, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Jetstar has kicked off a campaign that offers 50,000 fares across its domestic network starting from $26.

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific will resume Auckland services on 4 June.

Services between NZ and key markets such as Australia, North America and Asia are ramping up again as airlines restore connections.

The company said it would review the fuel surcharge when fuel prices returned to ‘normal levels’.

The Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand (BARNZ), airlines and travel agencies have lauded the government’s decision to fast-track border reopenings.

E tū cabin crew leaders are set to take strike action this month as a result of failing wage negotiations with Air New Zealand.

Red ink at national carrier seen as staunched somewhat compared to last FY due to strong domestic, cargo.

French Polynesian border remains closed to New Zealand, but could include passengers on ad-hoc basis in future.

Largest privately-held NZ airline returns to international route, additional flights will be added in August.

Emirates will boost services between Auckland and Dubai from 28 March.

Auckland’s Barrier Air has increased its North Shore offering to 10 services per week after adding a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan to its fleet.

Singapore Airlines will add capacity to and from Auckland from 3 December.

Jetstar and Qantas resume trans-Tasman services flying between Auckland and Sydney.

Air New Zealand will add three more weekly return Taupō services provided from Monday, November 2.

Sounds Air plans to operate electric aircraft in New Zealand by the end of the decade.

Great Barrier Airlines’ transformation over the past four years has put it in a good position to weather the Covid-19 test, chief operating officer Grant Bacon said.

INFLITE’s Mount Cook Ski Planes will mark 65 years in operation with a long weekend of birthday celebrations at its Pukaki Airport base at Aoraki Mackenzie.

Air New Zealand has grounded its Boeing 777 fleet until at least September 2021 due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19.

Hamilton Airport will re-establish the Hamilton-Palmerston North route following a new partnership with Originair.

Andrew Crawford says his new Wānaka to Christchurch service is simply “giving people what they want”.

Industry urges Govt to review social distancing rules on aircraft as services stop.

Air New Zealand supports the mandatory use of masks or face coverings on all public transport, says chief executive Greg Foran.

New Zealanders should be more worried about the economic shock of airlines pulling out of the country than the risk of contracting Covid-19 from air crew.

Air New Zealand is extending its fare flexibility and adjusting its domestic network for the change in Covid-19 alert levels.

The airline has also outlined what passengers can expect while travelling under changed alert levels.

The move made Emirates the first airline in the world to offer free, global cover for Covid-19 related costs.

Air New Zealand has ramped up its domestic schedule for August to 70% of pre-Covid-19 levels.

The airline is proposing a scheduled direct service with up to 15 return flights a week.

A booking system ensuring returnees have iso-accommodation arranged before flying is being considered.

Air New Zealand’s direct A320 jet service between Auckland and Invercargill resumes today.

Regional airline Sounds Air may launch a Christchurch to Wanaka weekly service depending on whether a survey indicates sufficient support.

Singapore Airlines will start flying return services from Singapore to Auckland and Christchurch.

“This is great news for tourism and those wanting to hit the slopes,” says the airline.

Air New Zealand will restart scheduled international passenger flights with one return service a week to Narita Airport, Tokyo, on 25 June.