Travel misery for Air New Zealand passengers as airline axes nearly 100 flights over festive period......but trials edible cups

Air New Zealand Boeing 787-10                                                              Photo Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is axing nearly 100 flights over this festive season over continuing issues of the Rolls-Royce engines on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines that power the Air New Zealand fleet are in need of more frequent maintenance and checks, which has left the carrier short of spares. Air New Zealand’s senior fleet manager 787, Captain Dave Wilson, said: “We have 14 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in our fleet and four spare engines to power these. However, all these spare engines are with Rolls Royce offshore either undergoing service or waiting for a service slot.”

Air New Zealand Senior Manager Customer Care and Communications Doug Grant says the airline is well placed to minimise the impact on customers. "Going into the holiday season we're acutely aware how important travel is to our customers, and our schedule changes are designed to keep cancellations to a minimum. Unfortunately, around 14,000 customers will be impacted by cancellations and we thank them in advance for their understanding.”

Air New Zealand cutting Christmas flights and trialling edible coffee cups.......

Air New Zealand Boeing 787-10                                                              Photo Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is axing nearly 100 flights over this festive season over continuing issues of the Rolls-Royce engines on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines that power the Air New Zealand fleet are in need of more frequent maintenance and checks, which has left the carrier short of spares. Air New Zealand’s senior fleet manager 787, Captain Dave Wilson, said: “We have 14 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in our fleet and four spare engines to power these. However, all these spare engines are with Rolls Royce offshore either undergoing service or waiting for a service slot.”

Air New Zealand Senior Manager Customer Care and Communications Doug Grant says the airline is well placed to minimise the impact on customers. "Going into the holiday season we're acutely aware how important travel is to our customers, and our schedule changes are designed to keep cancellations to a minimum. Unfortunately, around 14,000 customers will be impacted by cancellations and we thank them in advance for their understanding.”

Air New Zealand wins South Pacific Passenger Choice Award

Air New Zealand has taken out the South Pacific Regional Passenger Choice Award at the Future Travel Experience Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) Asia Awards in Singapore.

The award, voted by customers, recognises the airline’s overall commitment to customer experience.

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Nikki Goodman says the award reflects the airline’s commitment to delivering an outstanding experience on the 17 million customer journeys it facilitates every year.

New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand has a brand new Boeing 787-9 on long term lease from AerCap Holdings this week. This is the first new 787-9 aircraft to deliver to Air New Zealand from AerCap's order book with Boeing.

"The delivery of this new Boeing 787-9 to Air New Zealand marks another milestone between our two companies, building on a 30-year history of successful cooperation," said Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap. "We are delighted to continue to support Air New Zealand's fleet renewal strategy and sustainable growth ambitions with the addition of this new Dreamliner, which will offer excellent operational performance and environmental efficiency, significantly reducing fuel emissions and noise levels. We wish Jeff McDowall and all the team at Air New Zealand continued success."

AerCap is the world's largest lessor of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with 117 aircraft owned, managed and on order.

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Air New Zealand drops London Heathrow to Los Angeles flights.

The London - Los Angeles has been a flagship route for Air New Zealand for a number of years and was a crucial link connecting New Zealand and Europe. Indeed, since its launch in 1982 it has provided UK holidaymakers with the ideal way to connect to New Zealand. I've travelled on the route a few times, each one with a full, or very nearly full load, however, changes in the way the airline manages the yield, as well as increased competition,  have had an effect on the route.

"Today Kiwis have more than twice the number of ways to fly to London than a decade ago and preferences have changed. Less than seven percent of all airline travellers between Auckland and London chose to fly via Los Angeles last year." Air New Zealand Acting Chief Executive Officer Jeff McDowall said. "At the same time, the Atlantic has become one of the most hotly contested routes in the world and Air New Zealand lacks the home market advantages and scale of the North American and European airlines we're up against."

New sustainability report from Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand has released its latest sustainability report, which outlines the airline’s progress against its sustainability goals over the past year.

The report tackles key themes including climate change and carbon reduction, embracing diversity and inclusion, supporting sustainable tourism, working with suppliers and reducing waste and plastic.

Air New Zealand Head of Sustainability Lisa Daniell says she is pleased at the airline’s progress against its goals, but admits there is still much work to be done.

A new sporty safety video from Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand launches Air All Blacks safety video

Air New Zealand has launched a new safety video Air All Blacks in support of the team during its 2019 season and as they prepare for Japan next month.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen along with Captain Kieran Read, Sam Cane, Anton Lienert-Brown and Ryan Crotty join a diverse cast in the safety video which takes viewers to the headquarters of “newly established airline” Air All Blacks where ideas for the airline’s first safety video are being discussed.   

After insisting on being the next Air New Zealand spokesperson after travelling with the airline in 2017, American actor Rick Hoffman also features in the video, as well as Kiwi actor Cliff Curtis.

Hoffman says his positive experiences in New Zealand and Air New Zealand’s quirky humour were a huge drawcard for him to star in the video.

“I love New Zealand - the food is amazing and the people are amazing. It’s the way it should be everywhere! I will be thrilled to be recognised on an Air New Zealand safety video.”

Air New Zealand launches Air All Blacks safety video

Air New Zealand launches Air All Blacks safety video

Air New Zealand has launched a new safety video Air All Blacks in support of the team during its 2019 season and as they prepare for Japan next month.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen along with Captain Kieran Read, Sam Cane, Anton Lienert-Brown and Ryan Crotty join a diverse cast in the safety video which takes viewers to the headquarters of “newly established airline” Air All Blacks where ideas for the airline’s first safety video are being discussed.   

After insisting on being the next Air New Zealand spokesperson after travelling with the airline in 2017, American actor Rick Hoffman also features in the video, as well as Kiwi actor Cliff Curtis.

Hoffman says his positive experiences in New Zealand and Air New Zealand’s quirky humour were a huge drawcard for him to star in the video.

“I love New Zealand - the food is amazing and the people are amazing. It’s the way it should be everywhere! I will be thrilled to be recognised on an Air New Zealand safety video.”

Looking for the ultimate summer job? Do you have a passion for people and want to get paid to see the world?

Air New Zealand is putting out the call for temporary flight attendants to fly on its international widebody fleet over the summer period.

The airline is seeking customer service superstars to join over the busy summer period when record numbers of customers are expected to be travelling with the airline.

Successful applicants will be offered four to six month temporary contracts and will undergo a condensed and intensive regulatory training course at the Air New Zealand Academy of Learning in Auckland before taking to the skies from October.

The contract cabin crew will be paid a salary of around 40 thousand dollars per year plus away from home travel allowances that can boost this to as much as 60 thousand per year. This will be prorated for the length of the fixed term contracts.

Air New Zealand selects Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for future development.

The first Boeing 787-9                       Photo  Boeing

Boeing and Air New Zealand  announced this week that the kiwi airline plans to add the largest 787 Dreamliner model to its world-class fleet with a commitment to buy eight 787-10 aeroplanes valued at $2.7 billion at list prices, yet in reality according to insiders in Chicago, the true final cost to Air New Zealand is nearer $1.7 billion.  

"This is a hugely important decision for our airline. With the 787-10 offering around 15 percent more space for both customers and cargo than the 787-9, this investment creates the platform for our future strategic direction and opens up new opportunities to grow," said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon. "The 787-10 is longer and even more fuel efficient. However, the game changer for us has been that by working closely with Boeing, we've ensured the 787-10 will meet our network needs, including the ability to fly missions similar to our current 777-200 fleet."

Carrier plans to add eight super-efficient 787-10 aeroplanes to its growing Dreamliner family

Air New Zealand secures a maintenance contract from an unexpected customer

Image Air New Zealand

When you hear that Air New Zealand has just won a lucrative servicing contract, perhaps the last company putting business Air New Zealand's way that would spring to mind would be the US Navy, but that's exactly who the Kiwi carrier has snagged as a client - for the third time.

Air New Zealand's Gas Turbines business has nabbed its third significant contract to service US Navy LM2500™ Power Turbines, worth more than USD $17 million.  The contract will see the Auckland-based Gas Turbines team carry out maintenance on LM2500™ Gas Turbines which power the US Navy's cruiser fleet.

Work on the 10 power turbines under the new contract is expected to commence in August 2019 and the overall body of work is expected to conclude in late 2021.

Air New Zealand gets brand new Airbus A320-200neo

The leasing giant, Air Lease Corporation has confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A320-200neo aircraft on a long-term lease basis to Air New Zealand. 

The twin jet features Pratt & Whitney PW1127G engines and is the first of two A320-200neos confirmed to deliver the airline in 2019 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

“We are pleased to be the first to introduce the A320-200neo to Air New Zealand’s fleet and continue the long and excellent relationship that ALC has with the airline,” said Grant Levy, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation. “The A320-200neo provides key enhancements to the airline’s operations as Air New Zealand continues to add the most technological advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft to modernize their expanding fleet and offer the highest quality passenger experience.”

Air New Zealand has been crowned ATW Eco Airline of the Year

Air New Zealand has been crowned ATW Eco Airline of the Year and won the Passenger Experience Achievement award for recent upgrades to its Economy Skycouch seats.

Air New Zealand is the first airline in the world to scoop two awards at the Air Transport World Airline Industry Awards. The awards, which are considered the 'Oscars of the airline industry', will be presented in New York in March.

Air New Zealand has been crowned ATW Eco Airline of the Year and won the Passenger Experience Achievement award for recent upgrades to its Economy Skycouch seats.

The Eco-Airline of the Year award recognises Air New Zealand's portfolio of sustainability work. This includes the airline's commitment to reducing waste through its Project Green initiative, engagement with and support for regional New Zealand communities and reducing carbon emissions both within the airline's own operations and encouraging travellers to do the same through its voluntary carbon offsetting programme, FlyNeutral.

Air New Zealand launches Auckland - Chicago service

Another very long distance flight took off this weekend as Air New Zealand inaugurated its new service between Auckland and Chicago. 

Flight NZ26 departed a few seconds after 1700 on Friday, November 30th from Auckland International Airport landing in Chicago's O'Hare International Airport at 1233, just under half an hour early.  The flight time of14 hours 32 minutes slightly ahead of its estimated 15 hours northbound schedule. The route has a southbound flight time of 16 hours is Air New Zealand's longest flight, taking over from Auckland-Houston which has a flight time of 13.5 hours.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon, who is travelling on the inaugural service, says the airline's new Auckland-Chicago service means exciting new opportunities for travellers to explore the United States' third biggest city, along with more of the East Coast of the US and Canada.

ATR and Air New Zealand explore the future of a regional aviation ecosystem including hybrid aircraft

European aircraft manufacturer ATR and Air New Zealand have signed an agreement to explore the role of new propulsion technologies could play in the future of the regional aircraft ecosystem.

Under the agreement the partners will investigate the development of these new solutions and the required systems to support them such as airport and regulatory infrastructure, maintenance, ground and flight operations. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says with New Zealand’s renewable electricity supply and Air New Zealand’s comprehensive regional network, the country is seen as the ideal test bed for these technologies.

“Hybrid aircraft are expected to enter the market in the next decade or so.  Depending on when hybrid and electric technologies become available for larger turboprop aircraft, we believe there is potential for these to be a viable option for our regional network.

Air New Zealand receives first A321neo and new safety video released.

Airbus, Air New Zealand and Pratt & Whitney are celebrating the delivery of the airline's first A321neo aircraft powered by the new Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. 

The aircraft, with the registration ZK-NNA, is painted in the airlines striking black and silver fern livery and has 214 seats in a single class layout. The jet will enter normal commercial service on November 23rd operating flight NZ739 from Auckland to Brisbane.  

Rick Deurloo, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. "We're thrilled to expand our relationship with Air New Zealand and support their GTF-powered fleet, which will enable them to realise fuel savings and environmental benefits for years to come."  The airline has 20 of the new A320neo family of aircraft on order and a second new A321neo is expected to arrive enter normal revenue service in the next few weeks.  

Read on for details of the new safety video released today.

Air New Zealand celebrates a decade as Australasia’s number 1 airline

Air New Zealand has been named Australasia’s Leading Airline for the 10th consecutive year at the World Travel Awards in Hong Kong.

The airline has also been named Australasia’s Leading Airline Brand for the second year in a row, an award that was first introduced last year. The awards are voted for by travel and tourism professionals, as well as business and leisure travellers worldwide.

Air New Zealand Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Mike Tod says it's fantastic to have been recognised as Australasia’s top airline by both consumers and the travel industry for the past decade.

"This is a huge achievement and I'd like to thank all of our customers as well as those in the industry who voted for Air New Zealand. This award is a reflection of the commitment our 12,000 staff around the world put into ensuring we deliver products and services that our nation can be proud of," Mr Tod says.

Air New Zealand winter schedule changes over Boeing 787-9 issues.

Air New Zealand has announced alterations to its winter 2018 schedules due to the ongoing issues with Boeing 787 aircraft. 

The Sydney – Rarotonga route from 15th November will have a Boeing 777-200ER rather than the scheduled 787-9.

Flights to Vancouver from Auckland had been planned to be flown by 787-9 aircraft, however due to the issues with the type, a 777-200ER will continue to operate the service. The extra flights previously planned from 7 to 8 or 9 flights a week from 10th December have been shelved for the time being. ANZ will upgrade to a 777-300ER on these dates 28th October, 10th November, 17th November and 1st December.

The planned increase in schedules on the Auckland to Buenos Aires will be cancelled and will remain at 5 flights a week with a 777-200ER continuing to operate the route.

More Airbus A321neo's for Air New Zealand

Anticipating continued future domestic network growth, Air New Zealand has confirmed it will be buying an additional seven Airbus A321neo aircraft, to arrive between 2020 and 2024.

These additional aircraft will be deployed on high demand routes to support further domestic growth for the carrier. The airlines Pacific Rim growth strategy has allowed for consistently profitable network expansion over the past five years, with 17 million passengers a year travelling on the airline compared with 13 million back in 2013. 

The new Airbus A321neo's will help maintain pace in the expansion plans and are fitted with new generation engines and approximately 25 percent more seats, the A321neo's are expected to deliver fuel savings and efficiencies of up to 15 percent compared to the airline's existing A320 domestic aircraft, helping to reduce carbon emissions. The airline expects to receive the first two in 2020. 

"Looking out over the next two years, the airline is expecting to grow by one million customers a year, reaching 19 million customers by the end of 2020," Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon said. 

Air New Zealand's profits are up

Air New Zealand has announced today its earnings before tax for the 2018 financial year of $540 million, which is an increase from $527 million last year - the second highest profit in the airline’s history.

Chairman Tony Carter praised the strength of the result, which demonstrates the airline's resiliency, "This is an impressive financial result, driven by strong revenue growth across the airline's key markets, as well as continued focus on sustainable cost improvement, despite significantly higher fuel prices.

"The ability of the airline to achieve its second-highest profit in such a challenging environment really speaks to the focused strategy and unique competitive advantages that Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon and his leadership team have spent years building," says Mr Carter.