Air New Zealand has announced updates to its summer schedule, including the return of two seasonal routes, increased capacity on key Asian destinations, and an extended pause on its Chicago service due to ongoing engine challenges.
The airline will resume direct flights from Auckland to Hobart and Seoul in October 2024, operating three weekly services to each destination until March 2025.
Capacity on routes to Singapore, Tokyo, and Taipei will also see an increase between November 2024 and March 2025, as Air New Zealand introduces larger 777-300 aircraft on these routes.
The 777-300 aircraft will offer a higher proportion of premium seats and a 30 percent higher cargo capability compared to the 787 aircraft they replace, benefiting both passengers and exporters.
However, the airline has had to extend the pause on its Chicago route, originally set to resume in October 2024, due to the limited availability of Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines for its 787-9 aircraft.
Air New Zealand General Manager Long Haul Scott Carr said, “Unfortunately, ongoing challenges with the availability of Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines on our 787-9 aircraft means we haven’t been able to return to our Chicago route in October as expected. We anticipate returning to Chicago when we receive our new 787 aircraft from Boeing, currently expected in the second half of 2025.”
The airline will directly contact affected customers with bookings on the Chicago route to discuss their options, while those who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent for itinerary changes.
Carr emphasised that despite the disappointment of the extended Chicago route pause, there are still many options for customers to travel to the city with a stopover in another US port.
The increased capacity on Asian routes, particularly in premium cabins, is expected to be well-received by customers.
“We’re committed to connecting New Zealand with the world and these schedule changes mean we can continue to do that,” Carr said.
