AUCKLAND- Air New Zealand (NZ) has decided to temporarily suspend its non-stop service between Auckland (AKL) and Chicago (ORD) from March 31 to October 25, 2024.
The decision stems from persistent challenges related to the availability of serviceable Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, a concern affecting airlines globally and specifically impacting Air New Zealand’s Boeing 787 aircraft.
Air New Zealand Pauses Chicago Flights
Leanne Geraghty, Chief Customer and Sales Officer at Air New Zealand acknowledged that it was a challenging choice but one made to minimize the impact on customers. She understood the disappointment this decision may cause travelers to and from Chicago during this period, particularly those planning to fly over the upcoming April holiday break.
Geraghty emphasized the difficulty of the decision and apologized for the proximity to the time when some customers had planned their flights.
The ongoing challenges with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines have led to the unavailability of up to three aircraft for an extended period, necessitating a review of the airline’s schedule.
Typically, Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines undergo substantial maintenance, involving their removal from the aircraft and shipment to the offshore manufacturer for inspection after 1000 engine cycles (take-offs and landings). However, during routine inspections, Air New Zealand engineers discovered that maintenance was necessary after 750-850 cycles.
Unfortunately, Rolls-Royce has been unable to supply spare or replacement engines to meet Air New Zealand’s service requirements. Consequently, there has been a decrease in the operational capacity of Air New Zealand’s 787 fleet, affecting the airline’s ability to maintain its usual flight frequency.
While temporarily pausing the Chicago route, Air New Zealand aims to maintain its weekly schedule of up to 35 flights to six ports across the US and Canada. This ensures that passengers still have ample options to reach Chicago, the US, and other destinations during this period.
Get A Full Refund or Credit
Passengers holding reservations for Air New Zealand’s Chicago services will be rebooked with a connecting flight through another US airport, ensuring the quickest possible journey to their destination.
Those who made direct bookings with Air New Zealand will automatically receive their updated itinerary within 72 hours and are not required to contact the airline. However, customers who booked through a travel agent are advised to contact their agent to confirm any changes to their travel plans.
Affected customers are given the option to either receive a full refund or place their booking into credit.
Emphasizing that the top priority is ensuring customers reach their destination safely, Air New Zealand assures that the challenges related to aircraft and engine maintenance do not pose a safety risk to passengers flying on their 787 fleet.
The airline expresses gratitude to customers in advance for their patience and understanding, acknowledging that its teams are working diligently to implement these changes as swiftly as possible.
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