Air New Zealand will resume flights to Hobart and Seoul in October 2024, following a hiatus during New Zealand’s winter months. The Auckland-Hobart and Auckland-Seoul routes will operate as seasonal services, providing three direct flights weekly to each city from October to March.

Additionally, the airline is set to enhance its service capacity on crucial Asian routes. From November 2024 to March 2025, flights to Singapore, Tokyo, and Taipei will see an increase in available seats due to the deployment of the larger 777-300 aircraft, which includes a greater proportion of premium seating options, offering passengers enhanced comfort and space.

The 777-300 aircraft boasts a 30 percent greater cargo capacity compared to the 787 models they are replacing, significantly benefiting exporters to these regions and beyond.

However, due to ongoing engine issues that affect aircraft availability, Air New Zealand must extend the suspension of its Chicago service, initially planned to resume in October 2024.

Scott Carr, Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Long Haul, expressed that the decision was difficult but necessary to prioritize key routes and ensure reliable service for travelers on other flights. He mentioned the challenges with the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines used in the 787-9 fleet as the cause of the delay in resuming the Chicago route, which is now expected to return in the latter half of 2025 with the introduction of new 787 aircraft from Boeing.

Customers affected by the continued suspension of the Chicago route will be contacted by Air New Zealand in the coming days to discuss alternative travel arrangements, and those who booked through travel agents are advised to reach out to their agents for itinerary adjustments.

“We’re committed to connecting New Zealand with the world and these schedule changes mean we can continue to do that.”

Despite the postponement of the Chicago service, the airline is eager about the increased capacity on Asian flights starting November, especially with the popularity of premium cabins on routes to Singapore, Tokyo, and Taipei. The capacity increases for this period are as follows:

• Tokyo: An additional 30,000 seats, primarily in Business Premier and Premium Economy.
• Singapore: An increase of 20,000 seats, with 11,000 in Business Premier and Premium Economy.
• Taipei: An addition of 5,000 seats in Business Premier and Premium Economy.

These figures represent an increase compared to the same period in the previous year, from November 2023 to March 2024.

The announcement was made by Air New Zealand Communications.

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