AUCKLAND- Air New Zealand (NZ) is significantly expanding its long-haul network from October 2025 to March 2026, focusing on premium offerings and North American capacity.
The airline is adding over 34,000 seats to North America and increasing premium seat availability by 20,500 across its global long-haul network, including major growth on routes to the U.S., Canada, and Asia from Auckland Airport (AKL).
Air New Zealand Expansion
Air New Zealand will introduce up to seven newly retrofitted Boeing 787 Dreamliners into service by year-end, enhancing passenger comfort and in-flight experience.
These upgrades coincide with rising demand for premium cabins and a strong rebound in international travel.
Across its long-haul network, the airline will operate 8% more seats to North America than last year, including a 15% growth in premium seating.
From Auckland Airport (AKL), services to key North American gateways — including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Houston (IAH), and Vancouver (YVR) — will benefit from added capacity and frequency.
In Asia, destinations such as Shanghai (PVG), Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE), and Bali (DPS) will also see major increases in premium seating availability.
North America Network
Air New Zealand’s North America services will grow significantly this northern winter, offering more flight choices and elevated cabin experiences:
- Auckland–Los Angeles (AKL–LAX): Up to 11–12 weekly flights from December to March, adding 24,000 more seats (16% increase), including 6,800 additional premium seats.
- Auckland–Houston (AKL–IAH): Returns stronger with 4,500 added seats between January and March.
- Auckland–Vancouver (AKL–YVR): Maintains up to seven weekly services, deploying the Boeing 777-300ER during peak season. Premium seating increases by 25%, including a 30% rise in Premium Economy and 18% in Business Premier.
- Auckland–San Francisco (AKL–SFO): Daily flights continue into mid-February, with March frequencies rising to six per week. Total seating increases by 1,800 (3%), with 2,700 more premium seats (21%).
Asia Services
In Asia, Air New Zealand is aligning its schedule to meet holiday and Lunar New Year demand while boosting premium comfort:
- Auckland–Taipei (AKL–TPE): Increases from three to four flights weekly from December to February, adding 11,800 seats (27% growth).
- Auckland–Bali (AKL–DPS): Sees a 49% boost in premium seats, adding 2,400 more seats in premium cabins.
- Auckland–Hong Kong (AKL–HKG): Adds 3,700 premium seats — a 28% increase over the previous year.
- Auckland–Shanghai (AKL–PVG): Sees a 35% increase in premium seating, contributing to the refreshed long-haul offering.
Customer Demand Drives Strategic Expansion
Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien emphasized that demand for travel remains strong across both business and leisure segments.
The airline is responding with strategic increases in premium capacity and new aircraft interiors to better serve high-demand markets.
The refurbished Dreamliners will progressively roll out across key routes, enhancing the travel experience with improved comfort, space, and service in all cabins, particularly in Business Premier and Premium Economy.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
